God breathed the Scriptures into being through guiding 40 people to pen their God-inspired perspective. Scripture is God’s breath – His Holy Presence – in human words.

All Scripture is God-breathed

and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting,  and training in righteousness.

 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

God breathes life through the Scriptures to Christ-followers.  God breathes Scripture into our hearts, our souls, and our spirits to intimately connect with each of us.

When God’s people open the Scriptures with anticipation of hearing from Him, the breath of God speaks, teaches, moves, challenges, and inspires.

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Man shall not live on bread alone

But on every Word of God.

Matthew 4:4 (NIV)

When we open the Scriptures, God breathes spiritual food into our hungry and thirsty souls.

If you are hungry today, be fed.  If you feel hopeless today, find encouragement.  If you think life is pointless and purposeless today, seek meaning. If you are dry, depleted, or weary, let God breathe His inspired Words on you through Scripture.

God INVITES you to feed your spiritual appetite – to open the Scriptures to know Him, His Son, and His Spirit, and to be reminded that you are part of something far bigger and far better than just your everyday living for self.  Accept His invitation of Jesus Christ and breathe in His holy presence living in you through His Spirit and His ancient Scriptures which are alive and active with transformation power which enables us to love as Jesus did.

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Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet

And a light unto my path.

Psalms 119:105 (NIV)

God ILLUMINES, or lights up, the Scripture in the hearts of His people, to teach them His ways so they can get on board with what He is doing, and live their lives with obedience, purpose, and eternal rewards.

The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

Psalm 19:7-8 (NIV)

God RESTORES and REFRESHES our soul with His God-breathed Scripture when we are

depleted,

worn out,

purposeless

and passionless.

It’s like divine CPR!  Hear His voice.  Allow Him to speak life into you and restore your soul.

Father, 

For these 66 books, 40 different authors, over 1500 years with one central message whose name is Jesus, I thank You. 

For the fact that You initiated and guided the authors that penned the words of Scripture, I thank You.  

For the way that You breathed into them, I say thank You. 

Father help me to hear Your voice – to sense Your invitation to the breath of heaven, to the breath of life.  

Your words are spirit, your words are life and I choose to not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from Your mouth.  

 I long to hear Your voice, Lord.  

Thank You for the invitation to Your Word. 

 I ask that You illumine me with the breath of Your Words in the Holy Scriptures and restoreth my soul.  

In the precious and powerful name of Jesus, I pray.  Amen.

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BREATHE

(This is the Air I Breathe) by Hillsong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzOz9oZVrtA

This is the air I breathe – This is the air I breathe – Your holy presence living in me.
This is my daily bread – This is my daily bread – Your very word spoken to me.
And I I’m desperate for you.  And I I’m lost without you.

(Songwriters: Liam Howe / Tahliah Barnett / Timmaz Zolleyn)

 

_{BREATH OF HEAVEN Devotional PDF}

 

Download I Need Vitamin SEA devotional

LAUNDRY LITTER

Let’s be honest. You’ve had it. That Kleenex you’ve left in the pocket of your pants or pajama’s?  Yep!  You know what I’m talking about.

And when you open that washer lid, it hits you.  “I forgot to check all the pockets!”  On a good day you might find some laundered money.  But on a day when you’re probably on a time crunch and need things to run smoothly, you find loads of litter in the laundry drum and all over the clothes.

So I take the litter outside in the garage to shake it out.  Then I sweep up the mess.

When it’s all said and done, I check the lint trap, which is still full of traces of laundry litter.

I thought how much this is like the litter in my life, whether it be my thoughts, words, actions, or not acting on something I should.  I’m all together before I’m put to the test and run through the ringer.  There’s a mess to clean up if I’ve not been diligent in cleaning out the pockets of my heart.  The ringer reveals loads of litter that must be dealt with, shook out, swept up, and cleaned out of the hidden lint trap.  When it comes to sin in my life (which looks a lot like lint) I’m thankful Jesus cleaned up my past, present, and future pockets of sin on the cross.  Now I am clean before God, without lint, and replaced with His love. John 3:16, 1 John 1:9

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 . 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

 

LAUNDRY LITTER PDF

¹My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.

² I will open my mouth with a parable;

I will utter hidden things, things from of old—

³ things we have heard and known,

things our ancestors have told us.

⁴ We will not hide them from their descendants;

we will tell the next generation

the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,

his power, and the wonders he has done.

Psalm 78:1-4

 

August is “What will be your legacy” month.  I’m sure you have thought about the value of your legacy and what contributions, perspective, and family history you can share with the generations to come.

 

After two years in the making, our friend Lew has finally finished his life story and he is excited to share it with those he loves.  Lew has been blind for six years.  I am witness to his prayers throughout each day for big and little things.  He believes his life quote wholeheartedly:

 

Only one life, twill soon be past;

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

 

My grandmother left me a different kind of legacy.  I wrote about it and shared it at her celebration service.  I thought I would share it with you. Enjoy!  Know that you are loved and missed.  Christine

10 Gifts from Grandma

 The gift of beauty.

Dress for your man. She seldom left her bedroom each morning without being fully dressed and make-up on. She thought it a sad thing to see women who “let themselves go”

after they marry. Even 8 years after Grandpa died, she still dressed for her man.

The gift of play.

Take time to play & recreate. She & Grandpa spent 17 years as winter Texans in their early retirement years. And together they watched the

Kansas City Royals on television. Even after Grandpa’s death, Grandma continued to watch her Royals.

The gift of touch.

Sometimes seniors go days without human touch. Grandma loved her hugs! We had two little boys next door, who, every time they saw Grandma, would run to her and give her a hug. One of Mom & Dad’s fondest memories was Grandma’s 1st Sunday back to church after her 21-day hospital visit. People were lined up to give Grandma hugs. She beamed and lived on that for days as she shared how special that was.

The gift of a hobby.

Oil painting, quilts, and puzzles. Puzzles were something she shared with her great-granddaughter, Hannah The gift of a smile!

Grandma lived with a contagious smile. Did you ever notice her golden tooth? That was Grandpa’s favorite! Many years ago the dentist wanted to put another covering on that tooth, and Grandpa refused. He loved the golden tooth on Grandma.

 

The gift of pets.

Pets bring responsibility and a reason to get up in the morning. Pets bring companionship and joy. Our dog still looks for Grandma… The gift of daily purpose.

Sometimes our first instinct is to do everything for the elderly. I learned from Grandma that she finds joy and purpose in helping out and using her homemaker skills. She would fold our laundry, clean the dishes, bake bread, and at Christmas time, make her Peppernuts for the neighbors and church friends.

The gift of TIME and presence (visitation).

Grandma so enjoyed the visits from people at church. One Christmas, a group from her church came caroling and touched them deeply.

Neighborhood kids would stop by to say.  “Hi Grandma! How are you?”  Every week I would take Grandma over to visit a friend and play games, share stories, and have pampering days!

The gift of prayer.

At home we have a monitor where we can hear Grandma if she needs something. On several occasions I would hear her prayers as she went to bed. She was a prayer-warrior. She prayed fervently for her family and some relationships that needed God’s touch. She prayed for the salvation of each family member. She prayed specifically for her church, pastor, SS teacher, this country, our military, and the many special prayer requests that came through. She was a prayer-warrior.

The gift of generosity.

Grandma & Grandpa were givers of their time, talents, and treasures throughout the years. I continue to hear stories of their generosity to this day. They never wanted others to know – they just quietly gave. As God blessed them, they blessed others.

 

Leaving a Legacy Devotion

MAKE ME A BLESSING

 

Good day to you all!

 

The temperatures are soaring, but the sun is shining, and the air conditioning is working!  Praise the Lord!

 

Can you imagine living where the sun seldom shines? 

Can you imagine living where the SON seldom shines?

 

Jesus came into the world fully intending to shine the light of Christ wherever He went.  As Christ followers, we are called to shine His light and be a blessing to others in the name of Jesus!

 

Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)  

 

We see darkness all around us, but we can radiate SONshine right here in our community and in our families!  

 

How?  Before you get out of bed each morning, sing this song, “Make Me A Blessing,” everyday as a prayer to God and watch Him open doors of opportunity!

 

When your phone rings, you’ll have an opportunity to be a blessing.

When you eat a meal with others, you’ll have an opportunity to be a blessing.

When staff come to your room, you’ll have an opportunity to be a blessing.

When you get on computer and send emails to people, you’ll have an opportunity to be a blessing.   

When you write & send a note/card, you’ll have an opportunity to be a blessing.

When you watch the news, you’ll have an opportunity to be blessing by praying.

 

Your prayers are a HUGE blessing to me and reflect real SONshine! 

 

I have enclosed a page with several ideas for blessing others and letting your light shine for Jesus.  I know some of the ideas will not be possible at this time due to “social distancing,” but some of them can be implemented! 

 

I leave you with a couple quotes about sunshine that I am reminded of…

 

“Be the SONshine because God reigns!”

“When you can’t SEE the sunshine, BE the sunshine!”

 

…and, of course, the song, “You are my Sunshine.”

Christine

 

Ways to Bless Others and Let Your Light Shine for Jesus!

 

BeAttidudes

Be positive and encouraging       Be kind and generous

Be thankful and grateful               Be joyful and wear a friendly smile

 

Writing, texting, emailing:

Write a thank you note or appreciation letter for the staff

Write notes with an encouraging verse to the neighbors

Write a letter to someone “just because”

Write out Bible verses and give them away or put in public places

Write an encouragement letter for someone who needs it

Write Bible verses on cards to place in library books

Write a poem for someone

Write a thank you to your Pastor, music director, pianist, receptionist

 

Giving:

Give someone a gift card to their favorite store or restaurant

Give away things you don’t need or use

Give away your smile and treat someone to ice cream

Give money anonymously 

Give by teaching someone a skill you have been blessed with

 

Talking, Calling, Singing:

Read to those who can’t read very well anymore

Call a friend or family member.  Leave a message if they don’t answer

Sing or play music for your group

Say “Thank you.” See how many times a day you can thank others and God!

 

Praying:

Pray for someone who needs it – Ask for prayer requests

Pray for the Pastor before, during, and after the preaching

MAKE ME A BLESSING

Out in the highways and byways of life

Many are weary and sad;

Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife

Making the sorrowing glad.

CHORUS

Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing 

Out of my life let Jesus shine;

Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.

Make me a blessing to someone today.

 

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love.

Tell of His pow’r to forgive.

Others will trust Him if only you prove True ev’ry moment you live.

 

CHORUS

 

Give as ‘twas given to you in your need.

Love as the Master loved you.

Be to the helpless a helper indeed.

Unto your mission be true.

CHORUS

MAKE ME A BLESSING Devotional and Song lyrics

Rehab Scripture

¹¹ No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.¹² Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. ¹³ “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Hebrews 12:11-13

• Persevere in times of trials!
• Train your spiritual muscles for faith and your physical muscles for endurance
• Our soul and our body need discipline and correction for right living
• REHAB with & Physical Therapy

 

 

Rehab Scripture Hebrews 12 2nd Edition PDF

The Boy and His Slingshot

The Little Rock Collector

The Rocks in My Jar

 

May the God of HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE as you TRUST IN HIM,  so that you may OVERFLOW with HOPE by the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

This verse spoke to me this week as I heard stories from others who have lost HOPE.  My friends in Christ, we have the answer for those who have lost all HOPE!  The answer is Jesus! We can claim VICTORY because of Jesus!

How do we receive this HOPE, JOY, and PEACE? By trusting in God.  Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us of this:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

How do we OVERFLOW with HOPE? By the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in every Jesus-follower! This overflow naturally flows out of you and gives you opportunities to share about the HOPE, JOY, & PEACE you have!

Trust God and watch the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT fill you to overflowing with JOY and PEACE and HOPE.

 

Romans 15.13 and 1 Cor. 15.57 images and Devotional (2)

This verse, read with its passage from 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (TPT) gave me some insights into what faith can look like as we age.  What a great passage to be spoken and celebrated as we embrace our beloved Christian brothers and sisters near end of life .

What is faith, anyway?

Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Living and walking by faith is one step at a time, confidently trusting the Lord along life’s journey in the here-and-now and assurance about our future heavenly home as Christ-followers.

Faith is first believing and then seeing.

When I believe all God said in His Word is truth, I’ll see life – and death – through His lens of love and a life worth living.

Some people say, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” But faith says, “I’ll
see it when I believe it.”

When I believe God wrote 66 love letters to passionately pursue me, I’ll see His heart of love and sacrifice for all mankind and I’ll saturate my soul with the reading of them.

When I believe God has my best interest at heart, I’ll see the stumbling blocks of life as stepping stones, the obstacles of life as opportunities, and the wounds of life as a witness to His sovereignty.

When I believe God has a glorious home for me when my life on earth is over, I’ll see His strength. courage, hope, and assurance radiate through my aging body and bones.

When I believe God is in control and I am not, I’ll see each interruption as an opportunity.

But our faith will fade when we fear and start living by sight, by signs, by senses or by feelings and philosophies of the world. It’s a slow fade, like that of a frog in a kettle of warm water. When the heat is slowly turned up, we succumb to a slippery slope that’s hard to crawl out of . Not spending time in God’s Word and with His people leaves us weak and vulnerable. As the saying goes, “One week without God leaves one weak.”

As the passage reveals, our life’s passion should be to live a life of faith which pleases God.

I think of my senior friend who became completely blind seven years ago after having perfect vision his entire life. If one can imagine what life must be like when you can’t tell night from day or what trouble your next step will bring. How vulnerable and fearful a blind man can become unless his faith is grounded and growing in the truth God’s Word. It’s a daily surrendering of his fears laid out before the Lord. I’ve heard his prayers. They are priceless. He longs for the Lord, but until then, He lives with the motto: Only one life, twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.

I end with the lyrics and link to a well-known Michael W Smith worship song sung, sung by a blind boy. It will open the eyes of your heart. Link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjYeUN2zWqI

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Open the eyes of my heart. I want to see You. I want to see You. (x2)

To see You high and lifted up, shining in the light of Your glory. Pour out Your power and love as we sing holy, holy, holy. (x2)

Holy, holy, holy – holy, holy, holy – holy, holy, holy. I want to see You. I want to see You. (x8)

Download Walk by faith Devotion