My three sons; the cost of sacrifice

I've often wondered, "How does a mother send her son off to war?" Really…..how does she do it? What does she tell herself in order that she may have the courage to face the possible truth; he's laying down his life for his fellow human man, someone who would (probably) never fully comprehend the value of a life sacrificed for theirs. Our three sons are the most precious gift that God has ever given to my husband, Doug, and me. Even with all the trials that come with raising "boys", there are the joyous moments that take their place. The eleventh hour ballgames, the musical learning curves (trumpets, drums and electric guitars vibrating throughout the house) and the annual rituals that are celebrated and part of enjoying family life. So how does a mom compartmentalize all of that stuff in exchange for his life? I must say, I don't ever want to know the answer to that question.

 

"For God so loved the world (those who would never fully comprehend the value of a life sacrificed for theirs) that He gave His only son (we have three….God had only one), so that everyone (the good, the bad and everyone in between) who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his son into the world to condemn it, but to save it (His love is unconditional and readily available)." John 3:16-17

 

The only hope a mother has is that her son will return from war or that the value of his life will not be in vain. No guarantee's; just hope. She understands that the "cost of sacrifice" compels her to let her son go while trusting that the lives saved will be worth the price paid. Perhaps at the core of God's love is a mother's heart, the same heart that compelled God to let Jesus "go" and become the sacrifice that was necessary for a lost and dying world.

Thought to live by: God loved me so much that He gave me all He possessed at the cross.

"Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a daily devotional written by Pat Ferguson © 2011 All rights reserved

Nationwide is on your side

When you think "Nationwide" you think of the four little words that followed and became synonymous with its name; "is on your side." The two thoughts almost seem inseparable. Even if you can't carry a tune in a bucket you can sing that simple little jingle to a "tee".

"Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, who later became a leader among the Thirty, and he said, "We are yours, David! We are on your side, son of Jesse. Peace and prosperity be with you, and success to all who help you, for your God is the one who helps you. So David let them join him, and he made them officers over his troops." (1 Chronicles 12: 18, NLT)

David was way in over his head and he needed all the help he could get. Can we only imagine when David saw what could have potentially been his enemies coming to his aid, telling him they were there to help him via God? Even blessing him in advance and affirming they were on his side? David, out in the wilderness, surrounded by overwhelming odds, suddenly see's the hand of God coming to his side. Perhaps today you're out in the wilderness wondering "Where's God?" Don't worry….you're not alone…..God is just waiting for you to trust Him and allow Him to join you in your time of need. Had David attempted to fight his battles with his own might he would have lost. But David chose to follow God and to trust God in every situation. And God chose to take those who could have opposed David and turn them into his army.

Thought to live by: "Your God is the One who helps you" and He's on your side.

"Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a devotional written by Pat Ferguson © Copyright 2011, All Rights Reserved

Winning shot

^{Described by most as a "normal" kid, Wes Leonard was anything but. Standing tall at 6' plus, Wes not only physically soared over his friends he mentally, spiritually and emotionally reached heights most adults have never even imagined reaching. Known as a talented athlete and a humble young man, Wes was someone who took all the recognition his young life would receive in stride while never realizing that his final "winning shot" would bring the world to their knees. Only seconds after Wes' last shot rung through the rim, his heart gave out on him. As a gasping audience cried and prayed Wes went to claim his heavenward prize; to be with Jesus.}

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14/NIV)

How often is it that we take for granted the last thing we just did, said or engaged in, thinking that one more tomorrow is on the calendar of our short existence here on earth? I often have to remind myself that the last thing I just did could be the first thing God wants to talk to me about when I get to heaven – and that makes me stop and think, quite often. Living in fear is not of God and neither is living to die; but living in the moment while being fully present and embracing who Christ is in our lives is very much of God. Today, as you plan what your world will look like think about what you will say to God should today be the last chance you have to make a "winning shot". I'm almost certain Wes just thought he was playing basketball when in reality he was changing lives for eternity.

Thought to live by: I will make every moment of today count for Christ.

"Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a daily devotional written by Pat Ferguson (Copyright © 2011 Pat Ferguson; All rights reserved)

 

 

Crystal ball faith

Divination went into practice during the early medieval period, when "diviners" would attempt to gain insight into the future, using a systematic approach, while practicing the reading of "signs or omens" thought to be divinely from God. Often, this practice eventually led to a form of witchcraft. A format that is still sought by many who believe they can foretell the future, those who practice any form of divination are simply deceiving themselves.

"When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future." (Ecclesiastes 7:14/NIV)

The mysteries of God are just that; mysteries. If God could be figured out by mere man, than He would not be God. Our reliance to follow Christ is fully based upon our inability to be led by anything else. The "good" and "bad" in our life are both a gift from God, meant to build our faith in Him – not by what we see, feel, or even know, but by what we say we trust in. Dependency upon God keeps us humble and content, knowing that regardless of what this life hands us God is for us and see's our life with the "end in mind".

Thought to live by: Whether in good times or bad, I will trust in the One who loves me, has prepared a place for me and knows my future.

"Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a daily devotional written by Pat Ferguson © Copyright/All Rights Reserved 2011

 

 

 

The Adjustment Bureau; is free will part of faith?

After seeing the movie, "The Adjustment Bureau", and how free will versus pre-destination is portrayed the question as to which one you believe is clearly raised. The plot of the movie centers on the basic understanding that our lives are pre-destined to result in a certain way. But then comes along "free will". And everything, from future careers to relationships, is affected. Something as simple as the doors you open and walk through can change where your life is headed in the blink of an eye. The main characters meet at the beginning of the movie, fall hopelessly in love and spend the remaining time finding their lives intersecting which eventually leads them to their ultimate destiny; to stay their course or go their own way.

^"Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:21/NIV)

So which do you believe; free will or pre-destination? Is it easier to just say, "This was meant to be" while throwing your hands up in the air versus "Did I make the right decision?" The later leaves the responsibility of accountability on us while the former allows us to be absent of (possibly) both. In the above scripture Jesus (clearly) makes a distinction between what it takes to follow Him (absolute sacrifice) and what we receive in the end (ultimate blessing), while telling us what we must do to receive it ("follow me"). If pre-destination is the marker of your faith (which for many it is) then why would Jesus allow us to make the choice to follow Him? Perhaps for the same reason my husband can't make me love him unconditionally and sacrificially. How I met him certainly seems "pre-destined" but ultimately our love had to be of our own "free will".

Thought to live by: The opportunity to follow Christ was arranged (pre-destined) before I was ever conceived; the free will to obey was mine.

"Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a daily devotional written by Pat Ferguson © Copyright 2011

Soul food

From cornbread to chitlins, soul food has its origin dating back to the 1500's when slave traders fed the African slaves primarily what was left over. From the tops of turnips to the intestines of pigs, these slaves learned to make food to feed their souls.

"Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink – even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk – it's all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen and I will tell you where to get food that is good for the soul." Isaiah 55: 1 – 2

Can we only imagine what that experience was like for those who had no other choice but to live off of what they were (sparingly) given, while being enslaved against their will? To even comprehend that such a time in history existed is painful enough; to have lived through it must have been devastating. But for the grace of God! Slave or free man, God's word is plentiful and feeds the "soul" freely. In fact, His word sets the captive free! When we redirect our "thirst" for more of Him, we gain strength (wisdom) that is good for the soul through the study of God's word.

Thought to live by: What we drink, eat and spend our time on is what our life will produce.

"Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a devotional written by Pat Ferguson © Copyright 2011

Soul encounter; refueling your body, mind and soul through worshipping God

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV)

Nothing seems to “stir” our soul more profoundly than love.  The passion, the power and the strength that comes from true love not only compels our emotions to higher levels but propels our deepest desires and awakens our purpose.  When we love someone greater than we love ourselves, we pour out all that we possess knowing the return will be greater than the initial investment.  While we cannot give with the expectation of receiving, true love always returns to us more than we could ever imagine.

God’s love is such an amazing reciprocating love, beyond words and without limits.  While we may think we loved God first (we must take a step of faith to receive the love God has for us) it’s actually God who loved us, first.  As a mother, I know firsthand about the unconditional love you have for a life you nurtured from birth to adulthood.  There is absolutely nothing I won’t do for the benefit of my children.  However, I expect (in a healthy way) my love to be reciprocated back from my children to me.  If I don’t raise my children to understand that unconditional love is not just what you receive but what you give, then I have taught them nothing of value. 

God has given us a way to experience healthy balanced love with Him through living for Him.  Loving God with everything we possess (heart, soul and strength) returns the investment of God’s love for us back to Him while also refueling our body, mind and soul by the power of His love in us.  Absolutely nothing “fuels” me more than the love of God.  The best way that I know how to experience God’s love is through worshipping Him.  Even though I could worship Him in the privacy of my home, through the natural beauty of His creation (the world I live in) or through my relationship with those I love, I gain so much more when I corporately worship Him with the body of Christ.  What my “soul encounters” through corporate worship refuels every fiber of my being for the week to come.  Corporate worship enables me to pour out the love of Christ in me onto those around me, in a selfless way that benefits those who may need it more than I realize.  The outpouring of unity through song and the reading of God’s word reaches past every indifference, division and human flaw while leaning on the everlasting truth; God is love.

Thought to live by:  God’s love is fuel to my soul.

“Who’s your Daddy; knowing God as Abba Father” is a devotional written by Pat Ferguson © Copyright 2011 Pat Ferguson

Living sacrifice; the purpose of prayer and fasting

Fasting simply means to abstain from something (food, drink, hobbies, attitudes, activities, etc.) in exchange for God's presence to take the place of that which you abstained from, as you seek His will for your life.  There are many types of fasts for various reasons, but the fast that brings the presence of God is the one that focuses on Him (not us, our will, our desire).  If our fast is for anything less than God's presence the outcome will reveal it.

Prayer during a fast is the catalyst between us and God.  Fasting without prayer leads to nowhere.  If you've ever been on a fast, simply for the practice of abstaining, then you know the outcome was pointless.  When we pray and fast we not only experience a deeper and more intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit (God's presence) but we also begin to receive a more powerful intimacy with God (greater wisdom, understanding and knowledge) because we stepped out in our faith to follow God's will for our lives.

"And so, dear Christian friends, I plead with you to give your bodies to God.  Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind he will accept.  When you think of what He has done for you, is this too much to ask?"  Romans 12:1 NlT

The sacrifice that God desires from us isn't a religious mindset but a desire to be a "living and holy sacrifice"  placing God's will above our will for our lives.  

Thought to live by:  Prayer connects our thoughts to God; fasting disciplines our body to follow.

"Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a daily devotional written by Pat Ferguson (c) 2011 All Rights Reserved.

And the winner is.....

When a recent email notice sent to me exclaimed "Winner" in the address bar I must say I was skeptical at first.  Not (regularly) being a winner (of anything) I knew it was either a ploy or a reality.  In this case, reality sunk in very quickly once I opened the notice recognizing the "prize" came from a known source.  Because of my simple contribution to an activity I volunteerily performed, I had won a DVD of a movie I had wanted to see but never did.  What a nice suprise to know that my mere obedience became my reward! 

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 3:14

Can we only imagine the day when we meet God face to face the overwhelming joy we will experience as we are handed the "prize" He has promised us simply because we were faithful to follow Christ?  I can assure it you it's value will be worth more than rubies, gold or any worldly object of our affection.

Thought to live by:  My goal in this life is to live as Christ.
"Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a daily devotional written by Pat Ferguson Copyright  (c) 2010, Pat Ferguson

Close encounters; the work of the Holy Spirit

Close Encounters of the third kind was a 1970's sci-fi introducing the possibility of there being something more (life) beyond our day to day world.  The main character's encounter with a UFO starts a tailspin of investigation into the possibility and knowledge that intelligent life beyond earth is a possibility.  As the movie unfolds, it becomes obvious that more than a few people (i.e. the government) know about extraterrestrials, UFOs and a world beyond anyone's imagination.  Of course....this is a just a movie about what the possibilities could be past what mankind can see, imagine or grasp. 

"But when he, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever he hears, he will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come."  (John 16:13 The Open Bible)

God's desire for us is very simple; that we would know Him and power of His truth (found in the Bible).  Jesus was sent to represent to us (in the flesh the passion) the love and eternal forgiveness God extends to us once we become believers in His truth.  When Jesus ascended into heaven, the work of the Holy Spirit began.  That work was meant for our good, as well as our eternal benefit.  Can we only imagine if we fully utilized and paid attention to God speaking to us through the Holy Spirit how different our lives would be?  Better yet, how do we discern the difference between our own inner voice and the voice of God?  God's voice always speaks truth, in love, and directs us towards God's purpose and plan.  God's purpose is for mankind to know Him and to surrender their lives fully to Him.  Testing the voice you hear is very simple; does it benefit me more than it benefits God?  If the answer is yes, then question what you hear.  If the answer is no, than test what you hear by follow God's leading.  If the outcome brings others towards God then you know it was from God, used for His glory.

Thought to live by:  God uses the Holy Spirit in our lives to communicate His will to us. 

Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father 2011 (c) Pat Ferguson, copyright, all rights reserved