Power Sources

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."(Revelation 4:11 NIV)I recently had difficulty with my computer. It would intermittently shut down. An evaluation determined that its battery was not recognizing its power source. This problem was fixed but it got me to thinking about my life. My "battery"- the physical cells that God has created that comprise "me"- are constantly helping me. Daily, they are regenerating to promote proper growth and health. Some may be encountering attacks from within causing sickness. At such times, other cells come to my body's defense. My spiritual life also has its cells that must be nourished or they will dim, degenerate, or even die. How do I stay connected to my power source, Jesus? He has promised never to leave me or forsake me. So, I must choose to stay close to him. I want my "batteries" charged with his life and care. I commit to taking time to converse with him when I pray. His Word is ever fresh with insights if I ask his Spirit to guide me as I read. I also need times of fellowship with other believers. God desires that all parts of me stay refreshed. When my body and soul are tired, I require rest. Even Jesus needed time apart from busyness for his own restoration.God's peace comes to me through various facets of his creation. I can breathe fresh air, rejoice in a sunset, hold a loved one. Reading or listening to a good book, closing my eyes and letting beautiful music fill my soul also goes far to recharge me when I am weary. Ceasing from striving will help me let God take control - a sure way to let him keep me from shutting down. In so many ways God's power and presence is near. I want to recognize him in all ways possible.Prayer: Lord, in formal and less formal ways you and your power are ever near to restore my weary being. Help me recognize you at every turn in my day and rejoice in your nearness. Amen. ABOUT THE AUTHORLynn Severance is a retired elementary classroom teacher. She lives in Lynnwood, Washington. She writes to encourage others as God has encouraged her during 26 years of living with daily physical challenges.

God Has And Never Will Lose Sight Of You

"But the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore,you are of more value than many sparrows."Matthew 10: 30,31 (NKJV)God Never Lost Sight Of You TodayMy brother uses Twitter on the computer and I follow his site because he is veryencouraging about our Christian walk. My favorite quote he has written is,"God never lost sight of you today. There wasn't a solitary instant He was unaware of you."I have not been able to stop thinking about that quote, and that is what brought me to this scripture in Matthew. These words have brought so much peace and encouragement to me every day. Our heavenly Father knows all things, even to the smallest of details about us. This shows His tenderness and love towards us.We all sometimes face trials, temptations, and tribulations throughout our daily lives. But God says "fear not" we are more valueable than many sparrows. As we go through our daily lives of chronic pain, or loneliness, we do not have to be afraid. When we know God loves us so much, that He gave His only Son for us, we know that He is not away from us, not for even an instant!This is sometimes hard to comprehend. We are never out of God's thoughts, and He knows every detail about us. Our thoughts, our aches and pains, our fears, and even our laughter. While we are sleeping He is watching over us.Knowing all these things and reading God's word telling us how important we are to Him, has been teaching me that I don't have to be afraid or feel alone any more. God is there for all our needs, and listens to every word and whisper we have to say to Him. I sometimes wonder if He evens smiles when we laugh through the day.It has been just the last few years that I have been living alone. I remember how afraid I would be at times, and oh how lonely the days and nights felt. But now I understand that I am never alone, and that God cares for me and watches over me, all the time. Not just part time, but every moment. He promises this to all of us, and speaks it in His Word. We just need to ask Him into our hearts and there He will come to live forever. Never to be afraid again, never to be alone again. Margie Scott lives in Arizona. She strives daily to trust God's grace will always provide, as challenges arise due to heart problems, Parkinson, fibromyalgia, and spinal stenosis.mscott123@cox.net