Soul desire

On October 8, 1871, Horatio Spafford, a successful attorney and real estate investor, began to experience what would become his life’s purpose; to overcome tragedy with triumph through Christ.  The journey began after the loss of one of his five children and only son.  Only a few short months later the Great Chicago Fires would consume his real estate investments lending a devastating blow to his financial security, wiping out his entire life savings.  Just as the Spafford family attempted to rebuild their lives, life dealt Horatio and his wife, Anna, the final blow; the loss of their four daughters to the sinking of the S.S. Ville De Havre on November 22, 1873.  Can you only imagine what helpless hopelessness threatened to take whatever joy, purpose and strength both Horatio and Anna, had left?  But God…… 

^“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

The result of such tragedy spurred Horatio to write one of the beloved hymns the Christian faith has ever known; “It is well with my soul”.  Spafford was a man of many, many sorrows.  From the world’s perspective, Horatio surely had reason to be bitter, angry and confused toward God.  The list of reasons why someone could have confusion and issues over the way their life turned out or why God didn’t protect them could barely ever be trumped by what Spafford's faced during their lives here on earth.  How much more can a person take than that, you might ask?  Any how could any one of us turn those tragedies into triumphant purpose for Christ?  Where does that kind of faith come from?  Only from a deep and abiding faith in God through Christ will our true faith rise up.  It was during the long ride across the Ocean to retrieve Anna, that Horatio penned the famous hymn, “It is well with my soul” as he neared his four daughter’s final resting place.   Following their final tragedy, the Spafford’s turned their sorrow into service for Christ, becoming missionaries in 1881 for Christ through their outreach to spread the gospel in Jerusalem to both the Jews and Muslims   

Remember this if you remember nothing else when tragedy strikes:  God took it upon Himself to experience human tragedy when He allowed Christ to be beaten and nailed to a cross, taking our place here on earth so that one day we’d taste eternity in heaven.  God demonstrated the understanding of even our greatest loss, sorrow and pain when He watched His only son suffering in our place.  What the Spafford’s did with that kind of understanding leads us to not only repent of our own lack of understanding but turns us toward the One who completely understands:  Christ.

Thought to live by:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu42EN42zEQ

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

Cookie-cutter Christianity

In the drawer of my kitchen rest three familiar shapes:  A reindeer, Christmas tree and Santa Claus.   Only once a year do I ever pull these cookie cutters out and use them (unless I want my family to think I’m stark raving mad and commit me to the “funny farm”).  A cookie is a cookie, right?  Not really.  The shape, decoration and timing of a cookie make a cookie a cookie.  Somehow Christmas cookies seem odd to make or eat during the summer, just as it would if I lit Fourth of July fireworks during a Thanksgiving celebration.  While my family would laugh at my quirkiness, my neighbors might think I’m insane……

^“1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”  (Philippians 2:1-4 TNIV)

Nobody (really) wants to be just like everyone else.  There’s nothing wrong with being “yourself”, uniquely and definitively who you were made to be (fireworks and all).  The more important thing to be as a Christian is not to be a “cookie-cutter” (being like everyone else) in order to be accepted, but to be a “one-minded Christian” (being uniquely “you” while respecting others with humility and sincerity).  Timing is everything and sometimes it does make a difference in how effective you’ll be if you just focus on yourself (your opinion, beliefs and attitude), too much.   Unity creates “one mindedness” with its focus upon the greater interest for betterment of the body of Christ.  Fitting into a mold only does one thing; stops God’s purpose from living and breathing through your life in the unique way for which He has purposed.  So……are you a “cookie-cutter versus one-minded Christian”?  There’s a big difference between the two; the former makes you think you’re accepted and the latter lets you know you are.

Thought to live by:  Being of one mind in Christ takes the focus off of me and puts it where it should be:  on Him.

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

The birthing process reborn

Only a mother can know the pain that comes with childbearing.  The agonizing discomfort and the joy-filled exhilaration rarely compare to anything else she might experience in this life.  For some women, childbearing seemingly occurs without complication or extreme discomfort.  But for most, childbearing is the most painful process they personally experience followed quickly by the most joyous moment in their life.  Shortly after the birth of our first son, Doug II, my thoughts raced to the idea of having another baby.  Why?  Because I had just experienced for the first time (ever) the greatest moment of my life; giving new life to another human being.  Even though the previous twelve hours of labor had been the most excruciating hours of my life, the joy of holding someone that I had helped to create left me speechless.  The mere thought that I had been the only human being in the universe to bring forth this new life filled my heart with undeniable joy and love, making it easy (for me) to want to experience that moment again.

“Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.  You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’  The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8 (NIV)

When a “believer” in Christ is “born again” they become filled with the greatest gift God has to offer; Himself.  At that moment in time when we accept God’s greatest sacrifice – Jesus Christ – not only do we experience the presence of God into our lives in a profound way, God experiences the “giving birth” process as well, just in a different way.  Because I am a mother, I can only imagine the joy-filled moment God must experience when we accept the new life He has to offer us.  God, who watches over us from the moment we’re in our mother’s womb to the moment we accept Him as our Savior, experiences the same emotions as a new mother; complete joy and exhilaration.  No wonder God wants so badly for us to accept His gift, Jesus, so that He can fill our lives with the only gift He has to offer:  His love.  The joy God must feel when He gives us a new life through re-birth in Christ must (somehow) compare to that of a mother giving birth to a child; complete immeasurable joy.

Thought to live by:  At the heart of God is a mother’s love for us.

“Who’s you daddy; knowing God as Abba Father” is a devotional written by Pat Ferguson.  Copyright © 2011, All Rights Reserved

Birthday gift

After returning from the mall, my husband (who rarely goes shopping) expressed his concern over finding me a birthday present. "Everything I looked at wasn't good enough for you" he said, almost painstakingly. "What a great problem to have" I thought to myself, "knowing that nothing "materialistic" could ever express enough your love for someone."

"The one thing I ask of the Lord – the thing I seek most – is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord's perfections and meditating in His Temple." Psalm 27:4 NIV

Fifty years of living has taught me one thing on this day; everyday is a "birthday" present from God when you have Christ. The joy of knowing that one day I'll "live in the house of the Lord" for all the remaining days of my life makes me celebrate everyday I'm here as a "birthday" gift from God.

Thought to live by: Salvation through Christ gives new meaning to the word "birthday".

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

 

Warning Signs

The Department of Highways usually posts a "Do Not Enter – Wrong Way" sign at an exit ramp just in case a driver misinterprets the ramp as an entrance onto the interstate or highway. Drivers who commit the mistake of entering in the wrong direction will usually only do that once, assuming they survive the mistake.

"My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins." James 5:20 NIV

Only God knows if our mistakes are immediately or potentially fatal. When we separate our lives from Him we lead ourselves to walking into our own demise, not knowing immediately the danger that lies ahead. Sometimes we see the signs, but ignore them. Other times we not only miss the warning but fail to equip ourselves with the knowledge of how to handle it. Sadly, many people – including those who proclaim to love us – allow us to walk in the wrong direction. If you find yourself in this position then ask yourself this question; do I love this person (yourself included) enough to help them live? If the answer is yes (and it should be), then do everything you can to bring them back to the truth.

Thought to live by: Going in the wrong direction leads to nowhere.

"Who's Your Daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a daily devotional written by Pat Ferguson. Copyright © 2011; All rights reserved.

 

 

 

Forgiveness, first

Can you imagine walking into a "Doc in the Box" and the first thing the doctor says to you upon hearing about your impending condition is, "Your sins are forgiven"? We would (probably) think that the doctor was not all "there"! We came to get well and he's talking about forgiveness. What in the world do the two have in common, you might ask? Faith.

"Some men came bringing Him a paralytic…..When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Mark 2:3, 5 NIV

Jesus wasn't just the Great Physician of our physical needs; He was and is the reason we have a life in the first place. Jesus saw that many were following Him for what they could receive in the natural (healing) but He knew that what they really needed to "live" was more than what they could comprehend; forgiveness. Think about how many, many times you've been sick, depressed, in need, etc., and you've called out to God? Those times in our lives will come and go continuously….and God knows that. What we will only have a short window of time with is our moment we receive His forgiveness. If we miss that "moment" all the wellness in the world won't even matter.

Thought to live by: Forgiveness of sin heals everything else.

"Who's your Daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a devotional written by Pat Ferguson

Copyright © 2011, All Rights Reserved

Where does “wisdom” begin?

"We thought, because we had power, we had wisdom" (Stephen Vincent Benet). "The beginning of wisdom is to desire it" (Gabriol). "The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right names" (Adam Hammond)

Wisdom, from our human understanding, often equals hindsight. Wisdom rarely is the first thing we pray for but always the thing we need. Wisdom is priceless, timeless and unbiased. However, the beginning of wisdom is the turning point in our lives; without it we simply run in circles looking for answers that seemingly elude us and keep our dreams and desires at bay.

"But wisdom is shown to be right by what results from it." (Matthew 11:19)

Jesus' life was the ultimate example of living a life birthed in wisdom. Daily, Jesus sought God for direction, spent time in the word of God and obeyed God's calling upon His life. Even Jesus, who was both God and yet a simple man, knew that wisdom wasn't a given but a lifestyle of devotion and obedience, resulting in what was right.

Thought to live by: The beginning of wisdom comes from fearing that we haven't asked God for the answer.

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

The two sides of “entitlement”

"An Albuquerque man was sentenced to prison Wednesday after he asked to repay his investment scam victims through poker tournament winnings, but failed to find luck at the card table." (Albuquerque, AP, April 8, 2011). It's hard to imagine such stupidity exists along with the sense of entitlement that goes with it. Not only did this scam artist rob innocent people of their hard earned money, he attempted to take a short cut in returning it. Fortunately, the judge said "no" to his suggestions and sent him on his way to prison.

"Lord, you have poured out amazing blessings on your land! You have restored the fortunes of Israel. You have forgiven the guilt of your people; yes, you have covered all their sins." Psalm 85:1

What life hands us will never seem quite fair if we look at it from our point of view. The innocent victims of a scam artist not only lose their fortunes they lose their faith in mankind. But God, who is the only One we can ever fully trust, steps in on our behalf (much like a judge) and finds a way to restore us even if it doesn't appear to be what we expected or thought we would be "entitled" to.

 

Thought to live by: Entitlement isn't always something we deserve but what God bestows upon us even when we don't expect it.

 

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

You've got mail!

There’s hundreds of email service providers on the internet but only one stick’s out in most of our minds when you hear the familiar words, “You’ve got mail!”  Just the sound of these three words tells us that someone is trying to “speak” to us, hopefully, with a message we need to hear. 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

When God speaks to us, audibly, internally or through supernatural occurrences, we have the option of listening or turning away.  Whether or not we act upon God’s calling is always up to us.  But the one thing we can rely upon is this; God will speak to us through whatever manner He chooses.   It’s up to us to open the “mail” He sends our way and read it if we’re to walk with Him, today.

Thought to live by:  God speaks to those who listen.

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

Restoration

"This old house" is a program that has become synonymous with making all things new again without disturbing the beauty or character of the original treasure. When my husband brought home a mantel to restore and install in our home, little did we realize that there were over 53 layers of woodwork in the design of this one hundred year old keepsake. Painstakingly, Doug raised the grain one layer at a time to not only "restore" the piece to its original condition but to "preserve" the character and quality of this priceless treasure. In many ways, God does the same thing in our lives.

"O Lord, by these things men live; And in all these things is the life of my spirit; So You will restore me and make me live." (Isaiah 38:16 NKJV)

When God allows us to be "stripped" it's not for our demise but for our renewal. If Doug had not painstakingly raised each grain by hand the beauty of the mantel would have been covered from the oxidization of the past. Our lives are much the same; it takes the steady continuous hand of God to raise the depth of our beauty and potential to the surface of our lives. Allowing God to raise the grain in us is always our choice. Should we resist, we will probably "miss" the greatest moment of our life and our purpose.

Thought to live by: What God restores, He redeems. What God redeems, He uses. What God uses, He blesses. Restored….redeemed…..blessed…..each connect to God's plan for our lives.

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

Mindfulness

President Obama made a declaration that he would "stay in touch" with the people when he entered into office in 2008. In doing so, he made a bold pledge; to read ten letters a day from American's. Why only "ten" a day, you might ask? Well…..if you received approximately 65,000 letters, 100,000 emails, 1,000 faxes and 2,500-3,500 phone calls a day, "ten a day" might sound more doable and focused.

"But there is a place where someone has testified: "What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him?" Hebrews 2:6

Can we only imagine how many prayers God receives, daily? I'm certain the number is too high of a count for our imagination. So how can God be truly mindful of us, our needs and our individual lives? Amazingly, He just can……because He's God. The intimacy God desires with us is nothing compared to a President's genuine concern for the people of his country. A president is just a man trying to understand us, from a small sampling of people. God is creator of the universe trying to help us understand Him and His genuine love and compassion for us.

Thought to live by: As inconceivable as it may seem…..God is mindful of me.

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

 

 

Forgetfulness

Well known talk show host, Larry King, recently produced a mini-documentary on Alzheimer's interviewing Ronald Regan, Jr., son of former President Regan who unwittingly became a victim of the disease. As part of the documentary, Larry voluntarily underwent preliminary testing to determine if he was a possible candidate for "Dementia" aka Alzheimer's in his later years. At his own request, he kept the results to himself. During his interview with a doctor specializing in Alzheimer's, Larry asked for a simple explanation of the disease and if "forgetfulness" was a concerning red flag. "No" responded the doctor. "A better way to look at it would be not forgetting where I left my keys but not remembering what my keys are for." Forgiveness has a very funny way of working the same way. It's not forgetting what we were forgiven of but not remembering that we were when it comes our turn to forgive others.

"…….his fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, "Be patient with me and I will pay you back. But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt." Matthew 18:29-30

Alzheimer's robs its victim of the ability to recall the purpose of something, a familiar face or parts of their past. However, amidst all the "painfulness" of this disease the one thing left in tack is the humanity of the victim's spirit. They still instinctively know how to forgive. And in a twist of fate, they actually are much better at "forgetting", as well. When God has forgiven us of so much, over and over again, it's up to us to take His forgiveness and extend it to those we encounter cancelling the same "debt" we ourselves could not pay.

Thought to live by: Forgetting may come with time; but forgiveness eventually comes full circle.

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

 

 

Befriended

Facebook has brought a whole new meaning to being "befriended". With just one stroke, you're either "accepted", "blocked" or "unfriended" as a friend. It kind of reminds me of my high school days when we just wanted to be accepted unconditionally and included in a circle of favorable friends. Who likes being shunned, rejected and not included? The mere thought just breaks my heart and makes me want to seek out that person who falls outside the "circle of acceptance", just to show them they're unconditionally loved.

"A friend loves at all times" Proverbs 17:17

Friendship is possibly the most valuable gift we can give someone. It's enduring, selfless and unconditional. But being a friend requires more than just hitting the button of acceptance; it requires an action from the heart and a loyalty that sustains.

Thought to live by: True friendship loves at all times.

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

“Daytimers”

The entry of the "daytimer" universally made those who used it change their way of thinking about their day, altogether. I recall my first encounter with mine and how it not only organized my plans it subliminally kept me moving forward all day long. Now my Blackberry has taken its place and a "ring" has become my instant reminder that something important requires my immediate attention.

"The Lord gave me a message. He said, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world." (Jeremiah 1: 4-5)

Back in the day, God's intimacy with us was thought to be much more audible, intentional and direct. However, it probably wasn't much different than it is today; we're just busier and poor on time. The same God who spoke to a young Jeremiah speaks to each one of us, audibly, distinctly and directly, today. The question isn't "does God still speak to us?" but "are we listening?" We simply can't listen if we're too busy, if our calendar has weighed us down with demands and if we haven't made time to stop, pray and listen to God, today. If we believe that God knew us before we were even born then we believe God's word entirely; that we were set apart and appointed to be spokesmen to the world for Him. However….we can't speak about what we don't know or haven't heard.

Thought to live by: Just spending a few minutes listening and praying to God and meditating on His word each morning will determine the rest of our day.

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

 

 

 

Breaking point; when enough is enough!

Everyone has a breaking point, a place they reach when finally they declare they've had "enough". For each person, reaching that place can happen through an unexpected moment; a letter in the mail, a phone call, a text, an email, a pink slip, a turn off notice…. No is immune and everyone is entitled to declare they've had enough.

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, we are crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going." Corinthians 4: 8-9

Getting back up and going again requires our faith to be greater than our circumstances, creating in us the will to want to press on and live. If today you are facing astronomical odds, uncertainty and loss, reach for the hand that is reaching out to help you along your journey.

Thought to live by: We're never waiting on God but He's always waiting on us to ask for His help. Ask Him today and witness the difference a simple prayer can make in your life.

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