Daily Abiding with Granny - Ceaseless Prayer

DAILY ABIDING WITH GRANNY

"Ceaseless Prayer"

"Pray without ceasing"

 (I Th 5:17)

Granny talks herself and Cinnamon, her cat, and Shadow, her dog, but she also talks to her God. Sometimes she speaks to Him aloud, as if He were in the room, but we soon learn that there is a constant conversation between Granny and the LORD in all her waking hours. 

Is God so real to me that I feel His presence? Do I hear His voice? Do I turn to Him first for guidance and companionship? Is He my best friend? 

"Surving Winter"

Most Sundays, when Reverend Hermon wasn’t in town or Zeke wasn’t there to hitch up the sleigh, they spent a quiet day together. They didn’t spin or knit or even churn butter. Granny still held it as the Lord’s Day, even if she couldn’t get to meeting. They would sing some hymns, and Granny would quote some Scripture and teach it to Phoebe. “Blessed is the man  . . . ” Maseppa listened from her chair in the corner of the kitchen, near the fireplace.

Maseppa noticed that except for the change in chores, every day was the Lord’s Day to Granny. She was always singing hymns or quoting Scripture or talking to God as if He lived right in the house with them. At first, Maseppa looked around to see if Granny was speaking to a guest, but she soon realized those frequent comments spoken to the ceiling were prayers. After a while, she got used to it, and gained comfort knowing that Granny’s God was always nearby.  

"Phoebe Greets Spring"

             Zeke grabbed his coat again. “Did Maseppa cross the creek? She may have trouble getting back on account of the rain.”

            After scurrying around for a blanket and a lantern, Granny said, “Be careful, Zeke. I’ll be praying.”

           “Thank ye much, Granny.” He smiled. “Was there ever a time that you weren’t praying?”

            Phoebe watched the lantern bobbing down the hill toward the creek. Soon it disappeared into the stormy darkness.

            “It doesn’t do any good to fret, Child. Come, sit down and work on your shawl.” Granny went back to her knitting. The clock in the front room cuckooed seven times. Sometimes Granny hummed. Sometimes her lips moved silently. 

Join me here as we study Granny's ability to live her life, 

daily abiding in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Love and Prayers,

Yvonne                 

If you haven't read A Home for Phoebe yet, 

you can order it on Amazon, 

or you can contact me for a signed copy.

Also, the sequel Going Home with Phoebe is now available.

You can order it on (Amazon)    

or you can contact me for a signed copy.

Daily Abiding with Granny

Is Granny a real person?

Heaven t'Betsy! What put that notion in your noggin?

I've had many people ask me if my characters in A Home for Phoebe are real. They're not. They are a combination of people that I've met through my life, but they're not real.  . . . although, sometimes I forget that I made them up - especially Granny.

Granny is the type of woman I hope to be. I admire her resiliency. She suffered the loss of a child, her husband, and her sight, but yet she thanks the Lord for His blessings. Granny keeps herself busy, not in selfish pride, but to have enough to give to others. Granny lives each moment, every breath and action, in prayer and worship to her God,  I want to be like Granny.

(excerpt)

              Phoebe tipped her head back and looked up into the sightless eyes. “Granny, why can’t you see?” 

            “Heavens t’Betsy! I guess the Good Lord took away my sight because He wanted me to understand things in a different way. Sometimes I see better by listening with my ears and feeling with my hands.”

Join me here as we study Granny's ability to live her life, daily abiding in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Love and Prayers,

Yvonne                 

If you haven't read A Home for Phoebe yet, 

you can order it on Amazon, 

or you can contact me for a signed copy.

Also, the sequel Going Home with Phoebe is now available.

You can order it on (Amazon)    

or you can contact me for a signed copy.

         

B is for . . .

This thought has been my theme for the last few years. Our God knows what is best. Both the blessings and trials have their part in our growth and learning. We need to trust Him - his love, his care, his wisdom.

What truths has God been teaching you? 

For more A to Z posts, 

go to Patty Wysong's Blog

or join the blog hop with the Linky below.

"The Trumpet Shall Sound"

This week contains Rosh Hashanah the Feast of Trumpets 

(Click Here)  

God set up seven feasts when the Israelites left Egypt, when Moses met with Him on Mount Sinai. Everything in the worship of God was a symbol of His dealings with mankind throughout time. Everything had a purpose.

In each of the four first feasts, God has performed a great act - His crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and giving of the Holy Spirit. The next feast to be fulfilled is the Feast of Trumpets - a time of introspection, a warning of judgement.

In the book of I Corinthians, God speaks of another trumpet - calling His children to heaven before the great tribulation that will come. Jesus will not come to earth, but snatch them away from the time of judgement on the world. Christians have been waiting for centuries for His return. We don't exactly when He will come, but we can see signs of it in the news and in the skies. Jesus is coming soon!

"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: 

for the trumpet shall sound, 
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, 

and we shall be changed." 

 "Listen for the Trumpet " by Ron Hamilton 

(song)     

 (I suggest just listening without watching the children's animation.) 

(Lyrics)

Are you ready? 

Are you listening for God's trumpet to call you home?

Seeking and Calling

It's been too quiet around my house. I needed something to talk to, to care for . . . I needed another cat. (Besides, the mice and squirrels were taking over the attic.) 

So, last May, I visited the animal shelter. They had lots of cats there. Some rubbed against the bars, looking for attention. Others meowed pitifully. One slept in a ball, in the corner of her cage. She looked like one I had owned years ago. I went to the desk to ask if I could see her and hold her, but someone else had asked first. I went home disappointed. I didn't want any of the others. I wanted her. 

Returning later, I saw that she was still there! When I held her, I felt the soft vibrations of a purr beneath her fluffy fur. I filled out the forms and paid the price and brought my new friend home, but  . . . 

she didn't know me,

she didn't want me,

she was afraid and ran from me.

For weeks, I filled her food dish and clean up her messes. I called her, but she wouldn't come. I lifted her out of her hiding spots and caressed her ears and neck. I talked to her, softly and gently, while she purred in my arms. I named her Fluffy - short for Fluffanutter. 

She enjoyed all the benefits of a home - food, shelter, attention - but she did not want me or trust me. Sometimes, she fought against me and scratched me. I waited and tried again the next day. 

Soon, she didn't run when I came near. Soon, she accepted treats from my hands. Soon, she came to me when she heard my voice. Soon, she slept on my lap - trusting, resting, free of fear. 

It reminds me of Jesus.

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you." 

(John 15:16)

We are stubborn and foolish.

"All we, like sheep, have gone astray." 

(Isaiah 53:6)

Jesus searches and calls us.

"For thus saith the Lord God; 

Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, 

and seek them out."

(Ezekiel 34:11)

"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, 

I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."

(Isaiah 43:1)

"I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, 

but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not."

(Jeremiah 7:13)

"I have loved thee with an everlasting love: 

therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."

(Jeremiah 31:3)

I almost gave up on taming my cat. I almost took Fluffy back to the shelter. 

 God does not give up. We enjoy all His benefits, but we're not grateful for the One who provides them. We don't want Him or trust Him. We run from Him, but it doesn't do any good to hide. He seeks us and finds us. He calls us and draws us and loves us, until we rest in His arms. 

 "Submit yourselves therefore to God." 

(James 4:7)

If Jesus has been calling you, 
if you want to know more about Him
or how to get to heaven,
email me. I will pray with you. 

God In Us

When my Sunday School class studied the Day of Pentecost, we counted 50 days from Passover to today, June 4th. (also the birthday of one of my students, which made it easy for us to remember when it was coming) Some places say that Pentecost is next Sunday, June 8th, but we were right according to the Jewish calendar.  http://www.jewfaq.org/holidayc.htm

The Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus was a miraculous day - when the Almighty God chose to put His Spirit in us, his creation! The more I think about this, the more I want to let Him work through me, for "all things are possible with Him."

Monday Manna - "Who is that Masked Hypocrite?"

My mind needs time to let thoughts sink in. I often need a day or so to apply the truths I learn at church on Sunday. I hope to share these meditations here each week. Feel free to comment or share them with others.

(I hope you can take the time to listen to the sermon link.)

MASKS

Some masks are worn for protection - 

underwater mask

medical mask

welding mask

baseball catcher mask

gas mask

Masks can also give a person a different character. 

A child may wear a mask to pretend he is an animal. 

Some masks are worn for theatrical purposes. 

Comic super heroes wear masks while saving the world - 

or villains, while trying to conquer it.

When a person feels safe behind a false face, they usually act differently than normal. Pranksters on Halloween and Mardi Gras wear masks so they can do mischief anonymously. Criminals wear ski masks to avoid being identified. Many cultures wear masks as part of their tribal ceremonies. 

Sunday's sermon reminded us that very often people wear masks when we want to appear religious. We put on our suits and ties, or dress and high heels. We smile and shake hands and look like the picture-perfect Christian. But if others could see our thoughts, or how we act at home, our invisible masks would be made evident. 

God sees our inner heart.

He knows our motives.

He hear our thoughts. 

He sees beyond our masks.

May we pray, like David, 

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; 

try me, and know my thoughts." (Psalm 139:23)

 "Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts." (Psalm 51:5)

(Listen to Sermon)

Monday Manna - "My Attitude"

My mind needs time to let thoughts sink in. Often, I need a day or so to apply the truths I learn at church on Sunday to my life. Our pastor puts his sermons very neatly into a simple outline form - which makes it easier to remember. (even when I can't take notes) I hope to share these meditations here each week. Feel free to comment or share them with others. (I hope you can take the time to listen to the sermon link.)

"My Attitude"

In our kids' program, JOY Club, we sing a simple chorus that has been pricking my heart.

Work on your attitudes, the way you know you should

Put away those selfish thoughts and think of only good

Check all those motives, make sure they pass the test

Then the Lord will help you to do your very best

You’ve got to work on your attitudes in all you do and say

Look for opportunities, to practice them each day

People around you are watching all you do

So work on your attitudes; faith, joy and gratitude

Yes work on your attitudes today!

When I go to church, sing in the choir, give my offering, pray out loud, teach a class, etc., am I doing it with the right attitude? Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, saying, "But all their works they do for to be seen of men..." (Matthew 23:5)

Yes, those are all good things. We are told to worship together, to encourage each other, to pray together, to sing together, to teach others, but are we doing it to look good or because we love the Lord and our church family?

It comes back to the issue of pride and lack of humility. 

Neither should I think of myself as higher or more important than other Believers. Jesus warned of men giving themselves more authority than they should. "... all ye are brethren" and " he that is greatest among you shall be your servant." (Matt. 23:6,8) The Holy Spirit is in all Believers. He can work through anyone, no matter their age or level of education or experience. I can learn truths about God from a child that loves the Lord, just as much as from a person with a doctorate in theology. I should always have a humble and teachable attitude.

So, why should I do good things? 

I know that I don't gain Brownie Points with God by doing my good deed for the day. What is the purpose of doing good things? To bring glory to God.

My life should be conducted with a high level of standards, not because I live under the fear of the law, but because I love God and want to be like Him. "We should be as strict as the Bible teaches, but not stricter - adding more rules to what God has already said." (R. Bonin) The Holy Spirit is the One that will convict and teach me how to live. I should not place my convictions as rules upon others, teaching them that this is the way to please God.

When I "love God with all our hearts, and soul, and mind, and strength," then I will naturally do those things that please Him. I will show kindness and love to others. I will have patience and self-control and good attitudes in my daily life. It's not a matter of trying to be good, but letting the Spirit live through me.

"Man Made Religion"

(Matthew 22:41-46, 23:1-12)

(CLICK HERE)

Letting God Love Through Me

 When God repeats a message with two sermons, preached by different men, you know He wants you to listen and learn. Yesterday's sermons were both about loving - loving the Lord and loving others. 

It's easy to love those who are close to us, who like the same things that we love, who are kind and good and easy to be around, but can we love those who are different - those that are unlikeable - those that are cruel and evil? Can we let God's Spirit love them through us? 

I hope these sermons will bless you and prick you to want to love, to love Him and to love others - 

"Loving the Lord Thy God"   (CLICK HERE)

"The Skeptical, the Sinner, and the Savior"   (CLICK HERE)

     

Lord, Give Me Eyes

                                    Lord, give me eyes to see your praise.

Each morning sings with sparkling rays,

Trees clap their hands,

Waves dance on sands,

The heavens bright shout forth Your ways.

Lord, give me eyes to see Your face,

So holy, holy, full of grace;

Bow before You,

Praise, adore You,

I consecrate this sacred place.

Lord, give me eyes to see my sin

The selfish thoughts tucked deep within;

May I hate them,

Let You take them,

Cleanse me, change me, new life begin.

Lord, give me eyes to see Your will,

Help me to listen, heart made still;

Give me patience,

Tender conscience,

Letting You my being fill.

Lord, give me eyes to see the lost,

It was for them, You faced the cross;

Blind and crying,

Sinful, dying.

May I see them worth the cost.

Lord, give me eyes to see the lonely,

Tired, crippled, poor, and homely,

As I help them,

As I guide them,

May my life show Jesus only.

Lord, give me eyes to see Your army,

Nothing in this world can harm me;

I will not fear,

With angels near,

Multitudes protect, surround me.

Lord, give me eyes to see Your power,

While I am hiding in Your tower;

Winds and creatures,

Kings and teachers

Obey Your will, before You cower.

Lord, give me eyes to see tomorrow

As nothing worth a boast or sorrow;

Its prides or tears,

The gains or fears,

Its joys or pains I dare not borrow.

Lord, give me eyes to see Your best,

Although life’s trials may sorely test;

I understand

It is Your hand,

Within Your arms, I fully rest.

Lord, give me eyes to see Your glory,

No more sin and no more worry.

Righteously crowned,

In Him be found,

Ending of redemption’s story.

Day by Day

Sunday, May 23
Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might”

Lord, I want to use my writing for you. Now that I’m retired, I should be able to find time to write. This blog is a little, but I doubt many read it. Lord, I want to reach others with my writing. Give me the words You want me to use. 


Monday, May 24 
Psalm 118: 24
“This is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Lord, I meant to write today, but the house was a mess after all the company this weekend. Thank you for sending the hummingbird to my kitchen window while I did dishes. I hung my laundry in the sunshine. Thank you for sweet smelling sheets. Little Christopher wore me out while Amy was at the dentist appointment. We picked some fuzzy dandelion heads and watched the seeds drift away on the breeze. They reminded me of wasted words and minutes. They are gone—never to be retrieved again. Help me, Lord, to spend the time with my grandchildren wisely. 

Tuesday, May 25 
Philippians 4:19
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Lord, thank you for today. Although nothing scheduled, the day seemed to fly by. I planned to work on my novel today, but I had to pick out a pattern to knit a sweater for my niece. My writing magazine came in the mail, and I spent an hour reading it. I took a meal over to Sally and saw her baby girl. Lord, please help her husband to find a job soon. Rick invited his brother and his wife over for a cookout. They brought some fresh crabs that need to be cooked and shelled. Thank you, Lord, for family. 

Wednesday, May 26
Psalm 16:6
“The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.” 

Lord, I didn’t write anything but this blog today. I visited my parents today. That’s more important, right? It’s hard to see them getting older. We made rhubarb jam together and watched a bumblebee gathered nectar from the honeysuckle today. As it buzzed from blossom to blossom, I thought, “It doesn’t worry about schedules or money or the future. It knows God will provide all its needs.” Thank you for happy memories and these times together.


Thursday, May 27
Isaiah 26:3
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Lord, I don’t feel so good. My head hurts, and I’m all stuffed up. I must have caught something from little Christopher. I tried to write today, but the words weren’t there—no devotionals, no poems, no scenes in my novel, no magazine articles—nothing! It rained today. My nose dripped right along with the clouds. A robin enjoyed a bath in the puddle. It splashed and flashed in the fresh water. Help me to also find refreshment in Your blessings. 


Friday, May 28 
Psalm 105:6 
“Let everything that hath breath, praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.”

Lord, I don’t think I’ve accomplished anything this week. Today, Kathy called. I couldn’t say, “no.” It’s been months since we’ve gotten together. Besides, she usually needs someone to talk to when she asks me to take a walk. Lord, show her how to be a good wife and mother. I saw You today, Lord. The leaves fluttered in the breeze. They were clapping. They were praising You, Lord. Everything around me was singing and dancing and glowing with joy. It lifted my spirit. Peace filled my heart. I couldn’t wait to get home to add my words of praise to You!


Saturday, May 29
Psalm 19:14 
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer.”

Lord, I got a card from a friend today, thanking me for my blog. She said it helped her to look for Your blessings each day. Lord, I needed that. Thank you for encouragement. I still haven’t finished my novel or sold an article, but You used my words anyway. 

Oh why should I hurry,

Be anxious or worry?

He abides;

He provides

Day after day.

For blessings I’m grateful;

My Lord, He is faithful.

He abides;

He provides

Day after day.

"Tout Est Accompli"

Today marks the most pivotal day in history - the day that all of Biblical prophecy pointed to, the day in which our calendar centers upon, the day that our life in eternity is determined by - the day Jesus gave His life for us on Calvary.

The sign above His head was written in Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic, and if it had also been written in English, it would have read -

JESUS OF NAZARETH, 

KING OF THE JEWS

He didn't die just for the Jews. He died for all mankind. He knows us all, no matter what time of history we lived, no matter what language we speak. He loves us all.

I had the privilege of teaching French in a Christian school. Each of us bought a French Bible and used it alongside our own English Bible. I often found that the French version followed the Greek meanings of the text closer than the English. (I later learned that they have similar roots.)

One of my students pointed out the depth of meaning of the French version of John 19:30. In English, it reads, " When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost." (KJV)

In French, it says,
" Quand Jésus eut pris le vinaigre, il dit: Tout est accompli. Et, baissant la tête, il rendit l'esprit.  " (Louis Sagond)

"Tout Est Accompli"

  ( "All is accomplished." )

Everything has been done that is needed to fulfill prophecies.
Everything has been done that fulfills God's justice for sin.
Everything has been done that we may approach a Holy God.

There is nothing I need to PAY to purchase my salvation.
There is nothing I need to ENDURE to deserve it.
There is nothing I need to ACHIEVE to earn it.
There is nothing I need to DO to secure it.

Jesus has done it all.

I need only BELIEVE it.

I need only RECEIVE it.

I need only CLAIM it.

I need only TRUST it.

God's gift of eternal life transcends all nationalities and languages. I have felt the bond of the Spirit's fellowship in Believers who sang and prayed in words I didn't know. Someday, it won't matter our language. We will all be one with Christ in heaven. We will all sing to our Savior and Redeemer and King who bought us with His blood.

He Giveth Grace

Did you know?

My middle name is Grace. Also, my maternal grandmother was named Grace and so was my husband's maternal grandmother. So it seemed natural to name our daughter Grace, too. Little did I know that my son would marry a Grace. It gets a little confusing sometimes!

What does grace mean?

The baby books say that Grace means a gift from God. 

The Bible tells us that it is something that God gives us - something special that we don't deserve, a divine gift, unmerited favor. As I've grown as a Christian, I've learned that it is more than the gift of eternal life. It's more than special blessings. 

Grace is the strength,
                      the peace,
                             the wisdom,
                                   the power
to go through an experience that God has put in your life. It is letting Him work through you. It is letting Him take control. It is saying, "Lord, I need You." It is resting in His love and care. 

(Click Here for song "He Giveth More Grace")

"When I am weak, than I am strong."

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."

"His grace is sufficient for me."

"Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares."

"Abide" 

"Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace"

(This is a repost - but I so blessed to read my old devotionals. They seem to speak to me just when I need them most. )

"Great peace have they

which love Thy law,

and nothing shall offend them."

(Psalm 119:165)

CANCER

EARTHQUAKE

UNEMPLOYMENT

TERRORISM

What do you fear? This world is full of horrible and frightening things. Unless I hid in a closet with my fuzzy blanket and teddy bear, I'm going to encounter some sort of crisis eventually.

"What if we can't pay our bills? What if my son is sent to into battle? What if ..." I could easily get into a panic. I could send my blood pressure through the roof. I could worry and fret and waste my life away imagining the "what if's" about tomorrow,

or

I can have peace.

Our verse says "Great peace have they which love Thy law." God says, "Do not fear," and "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

So when tragedy strikes close to home or even myself, I can have a peace that God knows all about it. He has allowed it into my life for reason, even though I may not understand. Life's path can be rocky and slippery, but it shouldn't "offend" me or cause me to stumble in my walk with the Lord because He is holding my hand.

Lord, help me not to look at the frightening things around me, but feel Your hand holding mine as I walk through them. May I have peace that all will be well because You are with me. Amen

God's Peace

"Great peace have they

which love Thy law,

and nothing shall offend them."

(Psalm 119:165)

CANCER

EARTHQUAKE

UNEMPLOYMENT

TERRORISM

What do you fear? This world is full of horrible and frightening things. Unless I hid in a closet with my fuzzy blanket and teddy bear, I'm going to encounter some sort of crisis eventually.

"What if we can't pay our bills? What if my son is sent to into battle? What if ..." I could easily get into a panic. I could send my blood pressure through the roof. I could worry and fret and waste my life away imagining the "what if's" about tomorrow,

or

I can have peace.

Our verse says "Great peace have they which love Thy law." God says, "Do not fear," and "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

So when tragedy strikes close to home or even myself, I can have a peace that God knows all about it. He has allowed it into my life for reason, even though I may not understand. Life's path can be rocky and slippery, but it shouldn't "offend" me or cause me to stumble in my walk with the Lord because He is holding my hand.

Lord, help me not to look at the frightening things around me, but feel Your hand holding mine as I walk through them. May I have peace that all will be well because You are with me. Amen