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Thursday, April 29, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
The Song Comes From God - a devotion (number 49 in a series)
“The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.” Exodus 15:2, KJV
One of my favorite gospel songs was written by Bill and Gloria Gaither, God gave the song.” Many of my favorites come from their pens, but this one is especially dear to me.
In the song, they talk about God being the source of the Song and giving the ability to sing that Song in the face of adversity as well as blessing. The opening verse says:
“You ask me why my heart keeps singing,
Why I can sing when things go wrong.
But since I've found the source of music
I just can't help it. God gave the song.”
What a powerful reminder to me in these days when so very much seems to be going wrong! My mother’s deteriorating health, my non-existent finances, catastrophes in the world…finding a bright spot often takes a determined effort. Those are the times when I cling to the Song ever more tightly and let God’s strength and song lift me and keep me singing.
In the same vein, “He Keeps Me Singing” (Luther Bridges, 1884-1948) reminds me that Jesus is the one who keeps me singing no matter where I go. One of my favorite hymns, Babbie Mason recorded a version of it on her album “Timeless” and reminded a new generation of music lovers of the message.
I have discovered that just singing a song of praise will lift my spirits. Is it the action of giving praise or the verbalization of His faithfulness in the lyrics, or a combination of the two that pulls me up? I only know it works.
Next time the world is trying its best to drag you down, lift a song of praise to the Giver of Song. Let His love write the song on your heart and carry you through.
Father, thank You for the song You put in our hearts, for being the source of all we need. Please accept our songs of praise as a gift of love to You.
One of my favorite gospel songs was written by Bill and Gloria Gaither, God gave the song.” Many of my favorites come from their pens, but this one is especially dear to me.
In the song, they talk about God being the source of the Song and giving the ability to sing that Song in the face of adversity as well as blessing. The opening verse says:
“You ask me why my heart keeps singing,
Why I can sing when things go wrong.
But since I've found the source of music
I just can't help it. God gave the song.”
What a powerful reminder to me in these days when so very much seems to be going wrong! My mother’s deteriorating health, my non-existent finances, catastrophes in the world…finding a bright spot often takes a determined effort. Those are the times when I cling to the Song ever more tightly and let God’s strength and song lift me and keep me singing.
In the same vein, “He Keeps Me Singing” (Luther Bridges, 1884-1948) reminds me that Jesus is the one who keeps me singing no matter where I go. One of my favorite hymns, Babbie Mason recorded a version of it on her album “Timeless” and reminded a new generation of music lovers of the message.
I have discovered that just singing a song of praise will lift my spirits. Is it the action of giving praise or the verbalization of His faithfulness in the lyrics, or a combination of the two that pulls me up? I only know it works.
Next time the world is trying its best to drag you down, lift a song of praise to the Giver of Song. Let His love write the song on your heart and carry you through.
Father, thank You for the song You put in our hearts, for being the source of all we need. Please accept our songs of praise as a gift of love to You.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Saint Patrick - a devotion (Number 48 in a Series)
“Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28: 19-20, American Standard Version
Today is known as “St. Patrick’s Day,” represented with playful leprechauns and crowds of shamrocks. People will celebrate with green rivers and green beer; overindulge on corned beef and cabbage. In some ways, the celebration has become larger than the message (and isn’t that just so typical of human beings).
We celebrate Patrick as an icon of all things Irish, yet he was not Irish by birth. We represent the day with mythical beings, yet Patrick brought the truth to the Irish people and supplanted mythological tyrants with the facts of the Living Lord. We serve food and drink aplenty to celebrate, yet Patrick began his life in Ireland as a slave with many of life’s comforts lacking.
Stop for a moment and ponder Patrick’s life. Escaped from slavery, he returned to those who enslaved him with the message of God’s love. He followed God’s instruction to leave behind the world of his birth and bring the message to a raw and heathen people. We remember him for his sacrifice of self to serve others (and he wasn’t serving green beer).
As a person of (admittedly partial) Irish descent, I am touched by this day. Because of Patrick, Christianity spread through Ireland. He allowed himself to be the tool used by God to share Truth with a people wandering in pagan darkness. We will never know this side of heaven what blessings came to those people because Patrick was willing to heed the call.
Father, thank You for loving us enough to send Patrick to my distant ancestors. Help me to always remember the day is a celebration of Your goodness toward humanity and Your provision for our salvation. And give me courage to answer Your call to take the message to others as Patrick did.
Today is known as “St. Patrick’s Day,” represented with playful leprechauns and crowds of shamrocks. People will celebrate with green rivers and green beer; overindulge on corned beef and cabbage. In some ways, the celebration has become larger than the message (and isn’t that just so typical of human beings).
We celebrate Patrick as an icon of all things Irish, yet he was not Irish by birth. We represent the day with mythical beings, yet Patrick brought the truth to the Irish people and supplanted mythological tyrants with the facts of the Living Lord. We serve food and drink aplenty to celebrate, yet Patrick began his life in Ireland as a slave with many of life’s comforts lacking.
Stop for a moment and ponder Patrick’s life. Escaped from slavery, he returned to those who enslaved him with the message of God’s love. He followed God’s instruction to leave behind the world of his birth and bring the message to a raw and heathen people. We remember him for his sacrifice of self to serve others (and he wasn’t serving green beer).
As a person of (admittedly partial) Irish descent, I am touched by this day. Because of Patrick, Christianity spread through Ireland. He allowed himself to be the tool used by God to share Truth with a people wandering in pagan darkness. We will never know this side of heaven what blessings came to those people because Patrick was willing to heed the call.
Father, thank You for loving us enough to send Patrick to my distant ancestors. Help me to always remember the day is a celebration of Your goodness toward humanity and Your provision for our salvation. And give me courage to answer Your call to take the message to others as Patrick did.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Writing the Truth (Number 47 in a Series)
“That which hath been is that which shall be; and that which hath been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there a thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been long ago, in the ages which were before us. There is no remembrance of the former generations; neither shall there be any remembrance of the latter generations that are to come, among those that shall come after.” Ecclesiastes 1:9-11, American Standard Version
Why should a Christian writer write? We are cautioned against changing or adding anything to the Scriptures (Revelation 22), so what can we offer? Why bother? I think the reason speaks to us here in Ecclesiastes: although nothing is new here on earth, we humans forget.
As Christian writers, our task is to refresh the memory of our readers with what is in God’s Word. The truth there is powerful enough, exciting enough, eternal enough without us adding to or changing the meaning of it. We only have to retell in it in a way that directs the reader back to the Author of All.
Many ways lie at our disposal. Take a look at Liz Curtis Higgs. She uses a reframing of the Bible truth to tell the story set in a different time, a different land. The truth doesn’t alter, only the faces and the attire of the characters. Read one of her historical novels and find how little human nature has changed through the centuries.
Another avenue involves building around a basic Bible truth and weaving a different story from the threads. This method compels us to face God’s law and love. In the hands of master writers like DiAnn Mills and James Scott Bell, the pattern of the cloth reveals action, suspense and adventure.
Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye collaborated on the powerful ‘Left Behind’ series and put modern faces on John’s Revelation. As readers, we can understand the teachings there more thoroughly through the rousing stories they wrote. They’ve collaborated on other works as well as published solo works.
Michelle Medlock Adams applies her skills in writing children’s books. No age limit exists for Christian readership and she brings truths to little hearts in words they can understand.
The examples represent only a few of the inspirations for people like me-Christians who hope to spread God’s Word through our writing. They write to shine the light of God’s Word on the daily path of their readers.
We fledgling authors can look at them and follow their course. Whether we write fiction or study guides, treatises or devotionals, we can write to glorify Him who gave us the words. Write for publication, write for your church bulletin or write encouraging notes to those around you, but write.
Visit your local Christian store for more ways to find God’s truth in today’s world. If you have a desire to write for Him, Google “Christian writing conference” for an abundance of resources on the local and national level. (I can attest as to the wonderful environment of Write-to-Publish in Wheaton, IL.) You’ll find learning and support.
Father, we thank You for the powerful tool of words. Help us to use them to Your glory. Show us where and how to reach others for you. And thank you for the inspiration of successful Christian authors who teach us ways to spread your word in many formats.
© 2010 Mary Beth Magee
Other Resources:
Chris Fabry - collaborated with Jerry Jenkins on a Left Behind series for kids as well as many of his own solo works
Debbie Fuller Thomas
Mary deMuth
Max Lucado
Jane Rubietta
Cecil B. Murphey
Debbie Macomber
Ann Downing
Don’t be afraid to Google the name of your favorite Christian author to find their webpage. I’ve given you some of my favorites for your convenience. None of the authors asked to be listed or gave any compensation for my reference to them. They are simply people I respect and admire.
Feel free to add your favorites in the comments field.
Why should a Christian writer write? We are cautioned against changing or adding anything to the Scriptures (Revelation 22), so what can we offer? Why bother? I think the reason speaks to us here in Ecclesiastes: although nothing is new here on earth, we humans forget.
As Christian writers, our task is to refresh the memory of our readers with what is in God’s Word. The truth there is powerful enough, exciting enough, eternal enough without us adding to or changing the meaning of it. We only have to retell in it in a way that directs the reader back to the Author of All.
Many ways lie at our disposal. Take a look at Liz Curtis Higgs. She uses a reframing of the Bible truth to tell the story set in a different time, a different land. The truth doesn’t alter, only the faces and the attire of the characters. Read one of her historical novels and find how little human nature has changed through the centuries.
Another avenue involves building around a basic Bible truth and weaving a different story from the threads. This method compels us to face God’s law and love. In the hands of master writers like DiAnn Mills and James Scott Bell, the pattern of the cloth reveals action, suspense and adventure.
Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye collaborated on the powerful ‘Left Behind’ series and put modern faces on John’s Revelation. As readers, we can understand the teachings there more thoroughly through the rousing stories they wrote. They’ve collaborated on other works as well as published solo works.
Michelle Medlock Adams applies her skills in writing children’s books. No age limit exists for Christian readership and she brings truths to little hearts in words they can understand.
The examples represent only a few of the inspirations for people like me-Christians who hope to spread God’s Word through our writing. They write to shine the light of God’s Word on the daily path of their readers.
We fledgling authors can look at them and follow their course. Whether we write fiction or study guides, treatises or devotionals, we can write to glorify Him who gave us the words. Write for publication, write for your church bulletin or write encouraging notes to those around you, but write.
Visit your local Christian store for more ways to find God’s truth in today’s world. If you have a desire to write for Him, Google “Christian writing conference” for an abundance of resources on the local and national level. (I can attest as to the wonderful environment of Write-to-Publish in Wheaton, IL.) You’ll find learning and support.
Father, we thank You for the powerful tool of words. Help us to use them to Your glory. Show us where and how to reach others for you. And thank you for the inspiration of successful Christian authors who teach us ways to spread your word in many formats.
© 2010 Mary Beth Magee
Other Resources:
Chris Fabry - collaborated with Jerry Jenkins on a Left Behind series for kids as well as many of his own solo works
Debbie Fuller Thomas
Mary deMuth
Max Lucado
Jane Rubietta
Cecil B. Murphey
Debbie Macomber
Ann Downing
Don’t be afraid to Google the name of your favorite Christian author to find their webpage. I’ve given you some of my favorites for your convenience. None of the authors asked to be listed or gave any compensation for my reference to them. They are simply people I respect and admire.
Feel free to add your favorites in the comments field.
Friday, February 19, 2010
The Taste of Honey (Number 46 in a series)
“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:103-105, KJV
Most of us know the last part of this passage very well. It is a beloved memory verse. I remember saying it during daily assembly for Vacation Bible School as part of the pledge of allegiance to the Bible. The rest of the passage caught me by surprise.
I was reading my way to verse 105 to get the punctuation correct for a lighthouse project I was doing. Surely I’ve read this chapter in its entirety before. After all, I’ve been through several “through the Bible in a year” reading plans and Bible studies based on the Psalms. Yet this time it struck me with fresh impact.
Sweeter than the taste of honey! What a way to describe God’s Word. When the news is filled with bitter information, when the people we encounter offer acid comments, how wonderful to taste the sweetness of His Words, the wealth of His Promises. All sorts of artificial sweeteners exist out there, fake sweetness with no nutritive value. God’s Word is the sweetness of Truth, the nourishment our soul craves.
When was the last time you tasted the sweetness of God’s Word? Beyond the printed page, there are audio Bibles, emailed devotions, internet Bible sites. I’ve seen advertisements for the Bible on DVD to read on your television. We are blessed to live in a world where technology can be used to deliver God’s Word in many ways. Find a way that works for you and use it. Feed daily on His teachings.
Father, thank you for the sweetness of Your Word, for the soul-feeding goodness You offer us there. Keep us always hungry for more of Your teachings. Lead us to the table of learning that we may draw closer to You through Your words.
©2010 Mary Beth Magee
Most of us know the last part of this passage very well. It is a beloved memory verse. I remember saying it during daily assembly for Vacation Bible School as part of the pledge of allegiance to the Bible. The rest of the passage caught me by surprise.
I was reading my way to verse 105 to get the punctuation correct for a lighthouse project I was doing. Surely I’ve read this chapter in its entirety before. After all, I’ve been through several “through the Bible in a year” reading plans and Bible studies based on the Psalms. Yet this time it struck me with fresh impact.
Sweeter than the taste of honey! What a way to describe God’s Word. When the news is filled with bitter information, when the people we encounter offer acid comments, how wonderful to taste the sweetness of His Words, the wealth of His Promises. All sorts of artificial sweeteners exist out there, fake sweetness with no nutritive value. God’s Word is the sweetness of Truth, the nourishment our soul craves.
When was the last time you tasted the sweetness of God’s Word? Beyond the printed page, there are audio Bibles, emailed devotions, internet Bible sites. I’ve seen advertisements for the Bible on DVD to read on your television. We are blessed to live in a world where technology can be used to deliver God’s Word in many ways. Find a way that works for you and use it. Feed daily on His teachings.
Father, thank you for the sweetness of Your Word, for the soul-feeding goodness You offer us there. Keep us always hungry for more of Your teachings. Lead us to the table of learning that we may draw closer to You through Your words.
©2010 Mary Beth Magee
Monday, January 25, 2010
A Caregiver's Prayer (Number 45 in a series)
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matthew 25:40 (KJV).
I'm fighting my share of battles these days as I watch my mother decline. Even when she is at her most hurtful and demanding, I must remind myself that I am not only caring for her; I am caring for Jesus through her. I don't always succeed as well as I desire.
For my fellow caregivers everywhere, as well as myself, I offer this prayer.
Heavenly Father,
Today I look on a face I love without the person I love behind it. Today I seek to provide my loved one’s needs, not knowing if I am even recognized. Today I move one day closer to “Farewell.”
Please help me to remember the heart and soul now hidden from me. Remind me when I don’t have a name in my loved one’s eyes that I have a name in You. Give me strength to do what I must do to provide nourishment and comfort, even when I must do battle with a seeming stranger to do so. Give me patience with the lack of recognition and understanding, with the presence of confusion and fear.
Father, give me cognizance of those flashes of the one who used to be, that I may rejoice in a moment’s gift. Give me kindness when the stranger returns. Please remind me that the odd behavior of one I once knew so well comes not from the heart but from the condition now presenting itself.
Make my touch gentle, my voice soft, my thoughts loving. Help me to fight the demons of exhaustion, frustration and depression so that I may overcome them in Your mighty Name.
When I grow discouraged, Father, please lift me up. When I grow impatient, please slow me down. Help me at all times to be Your hands and feet to the one who is drawing ever nearer to Your Throne. Remind me that what I do here, I do to Your glory and as though I do it for You, as well. Remind me to praise you for the opportunity to serve. So many don't get the chance to say "Good-bye," much less show their love through providing care.
Each time I leave the bedside, remind me to say “I love you.” This may be the moment when my loved one understands. It may be the last chance I have to say it. It will always be a reminder, even in my darkest moments.
And, dear Father, when the time comes to let go, please remind me that we will meet again in Your presence. Comfort me with Your care. Let me hold to the good memories until the day we have the opportunity to make perfect ones, in Your paradise.
In the name of Your Precious Son Jesus I ask these things,
Amen.
Copyright 2010 Mary Beth Magee
I'm fighting my share of battles these days as I watch my mother decline. Even when she is at her most hurtful and demanding, I must remind myself that I am not only caring for her; I am caring for Jesus through her. I don't always succeed as well as I desire.
For my fellow caregivers everywhere, as well as myself, I offer this prayer.
A Caregiver’s Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Today I look on a face I love without the person I love behind it. Today I seek to provide my loved one’s needs, not knowing if I am even recognized. Today I move one day closer to “Farewell.”
Please help me to remember the heart and soul now hidden from me. Remind me when I don’t have a name in my loved one’s eyes that I have a name in You. Give me strength to do what I must do to provide nourishment and comfort, even when I must do battle with a seeming stranger to do so. Give me patience with the lack of recognition and understanding, with the presence of confusion and fear.
Father, give me cognizance of those flashes of the one who used to be, that I may rejoice in a moment’s gift. Give me kindness when the stranger returns. Please remind me that the odd behavior of one I once knew so well comes not from the heart but from the condition now presenting itself.
Make my touch gentle, my voice soft, my thoughts loving. Help me to fight the demons of exhaustion, frustration and depression so that I may overcome them in Your mighty Name.
When I grow discouraged, Father, please lift me up. When I grow impatient, please slow me down. Help me at all times to be Your hands and feet to the one who is drawing ever nearer to Your Throne. Remind me that what I do here, I do to Your glory and as though I do it for You, as well. Remind me to praise you for the opportunity to serve. So many don't get the chance to say "Good-bye," much less show their love through providing care.
Each time I leave the bedside, remind me to say “I love you.” This may be the moment when my loved one understands. It may be the last chance I have to say it. It will always be a reminder, even in my darkest moments.
And, dear Father, when the time comes to let go, please remind me that we will meet again in Your presence. Comfort me with Your care. Let me hold to the good memories until the day we have the opportunity to make perfect ones, in Your paradise.
In the name of Your Precious Son Jesus I ask these things,
Amen.
Copyright 2010 Mary Beth Magee
Friday, November 27, 2009
Evergreen Trust (Number 44 in a series)
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 (KJV)
I’m learning about seasons in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Summer was hot and dry. Grass turned yellow and fire warnings were in effect. A big difference from the nearly constant humidity I knew growing up in New Orleans.
Then we received the blessing of rain showers in October. Only a few days of gentle downfall, but oh, the change that it made! Pastures that had been dry and brown began to show hints of green until now they are bright with new growth, even though temperatures have been running in the 50s and 60s. The hillsides are strewn with emerald growth and it’s hard to believe this is November rather than April.
Yet the trees seem to be unaffected by the showers. The deciduous trees are going through their seasonal color show; the evergreens are green just as they have been all summer long. What is it that makes the difference? Why do the trees stay green, even in the heat that sears the grass to withered wicker?
If I remember my high school biology correctly, the answer lies in the root system. The roots of the trees go deeper into the ground and can access more groundwater than the shallow rooted grasses. The trees stand a better chance in a drought.
When I think about roots, I have to think about my own spiritual roots. Are they deep enough to withstand a drought? Will my trust stay green even when the world around me is parched and brown? Have I spread my roots in the faith so that I can draw on unseen reservoirs in time of need?
That reservoir gets filled from many places: Bible study, prayer time, spending time in worship with others, listening to inspirational music, and reading inspirational books, for example. Can I get along without some of them? For a time, perhaps. But my heart always hungers to return to the resources that fill me.
Where do you go to fill your reservoir? How do you recharge your spiritual batteries so you can keep going when the conditions get rough? Don’t let other things come between you and your Source.
Father, we thank You for Your never-ending fountain of love for us. We praise You for the evergreen trust we can place in You, knowing by Your promise that we place it wisely. Keep our souls watered and our hearts reaching for You.
© Mary Beth Magee 2009
I’m learning about seasons in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Summer was hot and dry. Grass turned yellow and fire warnings were in effect. A big difference from the nearly constant humidity I knew growing up in New Orleans.
Then we received the blessing of rain showers in October. Only a few days of gentle downfall, but oh, the change that it made! Pastures that had been dry and brown began to show hints of green until now they are bright with new growth, even though temperatures have been running in the 50s and 60s. The hillsides are strewn with emerald growth and it’s hard to believe this is November rather than April.
Yet the trees seem to be unaffected by the showers. The deciduous trees are going through their seasonal color show; the evergreens are green just as they have been all summer long. What is it that makes the difference? Why do the trees stay green, even in the heat that sears the grass to withered wicker?
If I remember my high school biology correctly, the answer lies in the root system. The roots of the trees go deeper into the ground and can access more groundwater than the shallow rooted grasses. The trees stand a better chance in a drought.
When I think about roots, I have to think about my own spiritual roots. Are they deep enough to withstand a drought? Will my trust stay green even when the world around me is parched and brown? Have I spread my roots in the faith so that I can draw on unseen reservoirs in time of need?
That reservoir gets filled from many places: Bible study, prayer time, spending time in worship with others, listening to inspirational music, and reading inspirational books, for example. Can I get along without some of them? For a time, perhaps. But my heart always hungers to return to the resources that fill me.
Where do you go to fill your reservoir? How do you recharge your spiritual batteries so you can keep going when the conditions get rough? Don’t let other things come between you and your Source.
Father, we thank You for Your never-ending fountain of love for us. We praise You for the evergreen trust we can place in You, knowing by Your promise that we place it wisely. Keep our souls watered and our hearts reaching for You.
© Mary Beth Magee 2009
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