Tag Archive for Internet Cafe Devotions

04 Jan 2012
Word-Filled Wednesday

Isaiah 43:18-19

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIKJV; Clock image from sxc.hu

I just love this passage from the Bible and it fits in so well with the start of the New Year.

Instead of carrying over the baggage of the last year, year before or any of the years, isn’t it time to just let go, move forward and grow as God wants us to.

Reading Isaiah 43:18-19….it is a reminder that each day really is a new day and we can’t let ourselves be held in bondage over things we cannot change, over things that are not in our control and be so held by the past, that we miss the blessings of today and the promise of tomorrow.

It’s not going to be easy, is it?

And no one says it will be or it is suppose to be.

What is possible, is the courage to look forward and take advantage of what the promises of tomorrow can be, no matter how easy it is to pull up pictures of the past and think “What if”, “Would’ve”, “Should’ve”, or “Could’ve”.

We could easily just give up or we can say to ourselves, no matter what, God has given us a new day and no matter what, make the best of what has been given and see it through.

How about you? Share your thoughts of how Isaiah 43:18-19 inspires you!

Come join me and everyone else for “Word Filled Wednesday“;

Sunflower Faith | 5 comments | Tags: , ,
05 Oct 2011
Internet Cafe Devotions • Word-Filled Wednesday

Romans 8:25-A Word Filled Wednesday

Romans 8:25; Image by HeartLight Gallery

Life seems a lot about waiting and when its for a phone call, waiting seems to go from a few hours to almost eternity.

This image that captures, Romans 8:25, is something that I think so many of us can relate in all circumstances of our lives.

Maybe its that phone call saying we got the job.

Maybe its the phone call waiting for lab results.

Maybe the results of an important test or for many that letter saying you got into the college of your choice.

Waiting is so much a part of life, but the hardest thing to do at the same time.

The “Dictionary of Bible Themes”, goes on about this that,”Being prepared to patiently look towards God for his guidance and accepting the timing he proposes. Waiting on God can lead to an atmosphere of expectation and confidence in God and a realisation of the unreliability of one’s own judgment.”

Try telling a young child to be patient for their birthday or to open their Christmas presents, not going to happen, but for adults, that wait often isn’t as filled with fun as it is with anticipation of,”what if”,”what about” “what could be” and its both a struggle and a blessing to be holding on to that hope, in and through Jesus Christ, that our Father, Lord in Heaven, will see us through whatever it is that has us holding our breathes in……wait.

God doesn’t work on our time frame and that is okay at the same time; We live too much in a world of have to have it now, fast food drive throughs, make it quick, “I don’t have two minutes to spare”, rush rush rush, but in the end, God is in control….much better control, than we often are, where in our impatience, we rush into judgements, decisions and emotions.

So like many, we wait….we hope…and we just…have…faith.

Come join me and everyone else for “Word Filled Wednesday“;

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13 Jul 2011
Word-Filled Wednesday

Matthews 6:27-A Word Filled Wednesday

Worry….it’s so easy to do, isn’t it?

We can spend a lot of time on it and what does it usually do? Okay…besides the grey hair and the weight not gained eating chocolate.

However, in the end run of things, what does it really accomplish? Nothing.

1. Worrying doesn’t solve problems and it is a great way to waste time isn’t it?

Matthew 6:27-29

2. Worrying can make a person sick, both mentally and physically.

Proverbs 12:25

3. Worrying is basically saying we don’t trust our Father in Heaven and as seen shared, a great formula to combat that is: Worry replaced by Prayer equals Trust.

Philippians 4:6-7

4. Worry doesn’t really let you focus on the things that can be, but doesn’t worry have us keeping our heads down and worrying about, well things we dont’ know will come and keeping our focus off of our Heavenly Father?

Matthew 6:31-33

Via the Matthew Henry Commentary, it is shared to all of us, this perspective:

Worldly-mindedness is a common and fatal symptom of hypocrisy, for by no sin can Satan have a surer and faster hold of the soul, under the cloak of a profession of religion. Something the soul will have, which it looks upon as the best thing; in which it has pleasure and confidence above other things. Christ counsels to make our best things the joys and glories of the other world, those things not seen which are eternal, and to place our happiness in them.

There are treasures in heaven. It is our wisdom to give all diligence to make our title to eternal life sure through Jesus Christ, and to look on all things here below, as not worthy to be compared with it, and to be content with nothing short of it. It is happiness above and beyond the changes and chances of time, an inheritance incorruptible.

The worldly man is wrong in his first principle; therefore all his reasonings and actions therefrom must be wrong. It is equally to be applied to false religion; that which is

deemed light is thick darkness. This is an awful, but a common case; we should therefore carefully examine our leading principles by the word of God, with earnest prayer for the teaching of his Spirit. A man may do some service to two masters, but he can devote himself to the service of no more than one. God requires the whole heart, and will not share it with the world.

When two masters oppose each other, no man can serve both. He who holds to the world and loves it, must despise God; he who loves God, must give up the friendship of the world.

At the end of the day, our trust and hope, as we say it is, is in and through our Father in Heaven, and worrying, well, wasted energy that really says, we don’t trust and focus more on the “Maybe’s”, “What If’s” and in the process, its easy to make bad decisions.

There are lots of things in our lives we can be worry about and no one is immune or perfected the art of not worrying as well as perfecting the art of worrying, but its something that we need to be aware of and encouraged to keep all things in prayers, work toward allowing our Father in Heaven, work in and through us, and use what ever our situation is calling, for hope, determination, perseverance and encouragement.

At the end of the day….what do we really have to gain by worrying?? Except maybe a grey hair…or two…or three …or four…or…..

Come join me and everyone else for “Word Filled Wednesday“;

Sunflower Faith | 8 comments | Tags: , , , ,
08 Jun 2011
Word-Filled Wednesday

Isaiah 42:3-Word Filled Wednesday

Isaiah 42:3; Original photo by ontzy

There is just amazing imagery in the verse, Isaiah 42:3.

The full scripture for this goes,” 3 A bruised reed He will not break,
And smoking flax He will not quench;
He will bring forth justice for truth.
(Isaiah 42:3, New King James Version)”

In “Pressing Into Thin Places” by Margaret Harrell Wells, EdD, she shared this scripture in the book, and as I really contemplated on that particularly verse….it presented to me of this wick that was determined,no matter what, to be blown out.

Isn’t that a perfect way to capture our faith in our Heavenly Father….that no matter what, no matter how hard life presses on us, no matter how hard the storm blows outside our home, that we hold on strong to our faith and trust in our Father in Heaven as He holds and shields us from the storm and that which presses upon us?

There are days when we may find ourselves pressed in, but think of the wick on a candle, and you’ve seen them, that no matter how hard you blow on it, the wick is determined to hold on to its flame and even though it may seem to slowly die away, there still is a subtle glow that maybe with the right encouragement, will burst into a mighty flame again.

Looking more into this verse, I came across a sermon by a Pastor John Turner, that looked into Isaiah 42:3 and shared some interesting points about this particular verse.

His sermon shared that,

1.The word “bruised” was translated to mean: “oppressed,” “crushed,” “discouraged,” and “struggling.” and was the same as mention and meaning as in II Kings 18:21,and

2.The word “reed” ” also refer to any kind of pillar of support, such as a rod or cane, or a lamp stand in particular.   In the context of this passage, it would seem to refer specifically to a lamp stand.“

But this isn’t what was just as interesting as what the Pastor later shared in the sermon,

“Here is a picture of the soul whom God has called to serve Him and to give forth a light in the darkness.  Standing tall at first, filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit and the fire of God, that soul radiates the light of Christ for all to see.  Yet, calamity strikes and that soul is now found lying on the ground, bruised, broken, crushed, discouraged.  The barely discernable light remaining within struggles with dullness, dimness and heaviness; issuing forth nothing more than pestilent vapors.  With its light diminished, it is barely seen and is shunted aside with no practical purpose or usefulness. No one wants a light that doesn’t light.  Already crushed and battered, that seemingly fruitless soul becomes an obstacle that serves only to trip up passersby.  Though that soul tries to get out of the path and hide in some darkened,  out-of-the-way alley, there seems to be no refuge from the scornful glances and vicious kicks of those who see it. Men pass it by in their daily business, shaking their heads and clucking their tongues at the baneful shambles of this dusky, dim soul which was once a plentiful source of light.  Too bad.  Someone should gather up this unsightly heap and dispose of it before someone stumbles upon it and is injured.”reference: A Bruised Reed and a Smoking Flax
,http://www.seewaves.com

What an image does that bring?

That the broken…..the lost…the hurt….the…..disciples that followed Christ weren’t perfect, had white picket, picture perfect pasts, but were often the worse of society,that in and through our Father, followed and was used by Him and served Him as His disciples.

No one is below….No one was beyond…Anyone….has hope in and through Jesus Christ.

Come join me and everyone else for “Word Filled Wednesday“;

Sunflower Faith | 8 comments | Tags: , , , , , ,
04 May 2011
Scripture Moment • Word-Filled Wednesday

Exodus 18:18-Word Filled Wednesday

Exodus 18:18; Stock.xchg image by luis; modified by Sunflower Faith

I created this to highlight my mission statement for “31 Days to Clean” and it is such a reminder that we can’t go at things alone.

Matthew Henry Commentary sheds a little light about this:

Moses kept to his business from morning to night. Jethro thought it was too much for him to undertake alone; also it would make the administration of justice tiresome to the people. There may be over-doing even in well-doing.

Wisdom is profitable to direct, that we may neither content ourselves with less than our duty, nor task ourselves beyond our strength. Jethro advised Moses to a better plan. Great men should not only study to be useful themselves, but contrive to make others useful. Care must be taken in the choice of the persons admitted into such a trust.

They should be men of good sense, that understood business, and that would not be daunted by frowns or clamours, but abhorred the thought of a bribe. Men of piety and religion; such as fear God, who dare not to do a base thing, though they could do it secretly and securely. The fear of God will best fortify a man against temptations to injustice. Moses did not despise this advice. Those are not wise, who think themselves too wise to be counselled.

Notice the relevant advice that is given by Matthew Henry Commentary regarding this verse.

“Those are not wise, who think themselves too wise to be counselled.”

Think about a time when our children (and young adults) reach that stage when they think, “hey, I got it alright, I know what I’m doing” and push forward against our advice and reject our offers of help.

Sound familiar?

Or maybe a friend bristles against another friend’s comment or become difficult to approach and sharpen like iron, about patterns that are not good for them.

We can’t do it alone.

We can’t tell our Father, “Hey, okay…I got it alright, I can do it,” and plunge forward thinking, we got it under control and if we need any help, maybe, just maybe, we’ll call on Him then.

On of the marks of humility, is realizing, that we are not in it alone; It’s not about us…It’s about Him and nor are we in a rat race against others, but all are striving for the same goal.

14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. (Philippians 3:14-16, New King James Version)

In Philippians 3:14-16, there is no…just me, numero uno, first place, none of that….there is..”us”…as in, you, me, our Father, all of us, together, pressing together, toward the same goal “…for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus“.

The Christian walk is not a Christian marathon or competition; We’re not in it alone and it’s why we are called to encourage each other (Hebrews 3:12-13), not just selective, but all of us, and not for personal gain, but for what we are all working together,”…the call of God in Christ Jesus“.

We can’t do this alone or individual, but it is by working together and supporting each other, lifting each other, that we find the workload lighten. There is no prize for how tired we are, at the end of the day, or who cross the line first, but rather, bearing each other, working together.

Notice when, by working as a team, that feeling of, “We did it”, not “I did it” and how the load is a lot lighter than if it was all on us?

It is because of this that Christ says, ”

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, New King James Version)

By trying to do this all by ourselves, without anyone elses help, we only create more burdens for ourselves and it doesn’t lead us forward to our Heavenly Father, but can drag ourselves behind….so lighten your burden; Give it to God…all of it..and encourage each other…not just who you have within easy reach, but whomever you come across, for we all are in this together.

Don’t let what you are doing ruin you or anyone around you….allow our Father in Heaven to work in and through you and through that, discover the peace and glory of our Father in Heaven.

Come join me and everyone else for “Word Filled Wednesday“;

Sunflower Faith | 4 comments | Tags: , , ,
25 Feb 2011
Internet Cafe Devotions

Fearful-An Internet Cafe Devotions Post

Our Heavenly Father has a sense of humor. I’m convinced of it and not because of the platypus or my pet dog, but in the blessed way He answers prayers. He isn’t necessarily safe and assuring, but his answers provoke growth and good in us.

“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)

Being a follower of Christ isn’t for the weak-hearted; this is not a faith that we can easily hide in the closet and hide from the world. We are called to go out in the world and be God’s ambassadors.

To read the rest of the article, I invite you to drop by

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03 Dec 2010
Devotionals • General Musings • Internet Cafe Devotions

Recharge Your Life with Him

Have you ever just stopped and watched people in a busy area? Have you noticed the stress and the weariness? How about a day care center at the end of its day. Have you seen the parents already wearied by their day at work picking up wearied children?

Matt. 11: 28 – 30
” Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

How often have you felt so weighed down and wearied by life? How often do we forget to take our weariness and heaviness to the One who promised His burden would be light; to the One who promised us rest?

Take just a few minutes right now to breathe in deeply, close your eyes, slow down the racing mind and the pounding pulse. Just think about Him: the lover of your soul, the One who knows you and loves you, who has good plans for you and not evil.

wearied by life? How often do we forget to take our weariness and heaviness to the One who promised His burden would be light; to the One who promised us rest?

Take just a few minutes right now to breathe in deeply, close your eyes, slow down the racing mind and the pounding pulse. Just think about Him: the lover of your soul, the One who knows you and loves you, who has good plans for you and not evil.

Rest in those saving arms and breathe deeply His scent of love. Find the renewal and refreshing that only He can give.

And do one more thing:

“Cast all your anxiety on him for he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7

I can think of many a morning when I woke up and felt like I was running from one end of the house to the other, that the kids seem to have gone from one to six, the dog suddenly forgot how to be housebroken and the trash can kept being overfloweth but never emptieth.

Or think of a morning when you barely had coffee and EVERYTHING seemed to go wrong. By the time night rolled around, you said a quick thank you to God as you crawled into bed, curled up around a pillow and fell asleep BEFORE your head hit the pillow.

Translate that to the work world where the desk seems piled high with paper, the boss just doesn’t seem to be happy no matter what and the deadline went from next month to the end of the day. In the midst of it all, it’s easy to suddenly feel like you’ve lost control and the clock is out to get you.

The same goes for the day to day grind of daily living. Yet, rather than making it a day to day grind, God is there in the midst of the storm. His hands are outstretched,  calming the turbulent sea that we are are, whether it is man-made or natural.

………….Read the rest of this devotioal at, “The Internet Cafe“;I’m serving at the Internet Cafe today. I hope you’ll come by and chat with me:

Sunflower Faith | No comments | Tags: ,
01 Dec 2010
Word-Filled Wednesday

Tis Not the Season to Complain-Word Filled Wednesday

Watching images of “Black Friday” and listening to people around me, it’s hard not to wonder if people take “Deck the Halls” to literally as they push and shove and grimace.

We had wrapped up watching one of many versions of Scrooge and I couldn’t help but wonder, “Notice how many people tend to turn into one and not with money, but with emotions and time”.

Being weird as I am, I turned to reading “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens instead and and love this thought shared by Mr. Dickens,“It is a fair, even-handed, noble adjustment of things, that while there is infection in disease and sorrow, there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good-humour.”

If ever there is a time we can use to share the “Good News” the most effectively, is this time of season of love and joy and words of hope and peace, yet it seems so easy to get caught up in everything else but that.

Phillipians 2:14 (NKJV) implores us to,”Do all things without complaining and disputing….“, but as we elbow each other in the stores  and share how we really don’t look forward  to spending time with family or friends.

Are we shining our lights in the world or are we  just blaring our car lights and honking our horns sending the message, “Look out and get out of the way or you’ll be run over”?

Maybe I’m looking at the world through “Mary Colored- glasses” as others put on their “Martha Colored glasses” while trying not to run over poor Mr.Smith in aisle 10, but it just seems that the holidays have lost their cheerfulness in lieu for competitiveness.

We compete against each other.

We compete against time and as if we are in a race against the sun to beat it before it sets again on another day, but through it all, it’s hard not to want to put up a yield sign in the middle of the busyness and say out loud to everyone, “Slow down, relax, enjoy…really..it’s not a race”.

Is it really important that we decorate our homes in such a way that puts Martha Stewart to shame, buy that outrageously priced gift and through it all, roar at everyone like hungry lions?

“Relax………..”

“….that you may become blameless and harmless,children of God……”

I mostly write this as I observe loved ones and others around me complain and say that “…they don’t have time”, “…they’re too busy”, “…can’t enjoy”, and yet this is “supposed” to be the happiest time of the year.

I just find it funny as the holidays get closer, the stress seems to go up and the less goodwill there seems to be.

In the end, how do we not hurt ourselves more by assigning busyness in lieu of priority.

We sit restless while on vacation and complain we are bored and then when we work, we complain we need vacation and can’t wait for the holidays, but when the holidays come, then complain we can’t wait for the holidays to be over and so the cycle continues….

Maybe it’s time, this holiday, any day, to put an end to the complaining and remember our Father’s urging to “Do all things without complaining and disputing….” and enjoy the blessings that He has to offer at any time.

He is not a box that open and closes at one time of the year or on a set day or time, but every day and every time, and if all we had was Jesus and nothing else, can we find contentment and enjoy Him for Him without the trappings of the season?

Be like the shepherds that night in Bethlehem :

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

(Luke 2:8-14, New King James Version)

All the more when we walk about this holiday season, work to resist the urge to growl and instead embrace the urge ,”…..And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!””.

Come join us at “Word Filled Wednesday”, a weekly meme that occurs every Wednesday.

The purpose of Word Filled Wednesday, has been to share God’s Word, through photo or a graphic image combined with scripture. WFW is a love offering to Christ; A remembrance to His Word,It’s all about Him.

Word Filled Wednesday

Come Join us at "Word Filled Wednesday",every Wednesday, at Internet Cafe Devotions!

Sunflower Faith | 4 comments | Tags: , ,
30 Aug 2010
Devotionals • General Musings • Internet Cafe Devotions

Embracing the Joy…..

Follow me to the Internet Cafe Devotion

Follow me to the Internet Cafe Devotion

Summer is almost over many of us we are spending time preparing for a new school year and enjoying those last “lazy, hazy days of summer” with family. I was doing those very things and in the midst of it all, some things came to mind. I begin to realize just how easy it is to let something or someone to steal my joy?

Read the rest of this devotion at, “The Internet Cafe“……Don’t worry, there’s always room for you there.

Sunflower Faith | One comment | Tags: ,
27 May 2010
Devotionals • General Musings • Internet Cafe Devotions

Taking that Step into Faith

Follow me to the Internet Cafe Devotion

Follow me to the Internet Cafe Devotion

I normally don’t use the NLT translation, but this is one instance  that I love how this translation reads.

It is a reminder of how we unconsciously slip into unbelief in our daily lives.

Does any of this sound familiar?

“Anything is possible with Him, but what about the groceries?”

“I know I should trust in Him, but the bills have to be paid.”

“I can’t let go; it just hurts too bad.”

Read the rest of this devotion at, “The Internet Cafe“……Don’t worry, there’s always room for you there.

Sunflower Faith | 2 comments | Tags: ,
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