Great Riches by Susan Barclay

I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure. Psalm 119:162, NLT

If you’re a true disciple of Jesus, you’ve probably discovered the importance of reading and memorizing Scripture. You’ve started to get it into your heart, meditated on it, and listened for what God has to say to you personally. Hopefully, this has had an impact on how you live, not because you are trying hard to improve, but because you are stepping aside to let Christ live through you. Others have noticed a change and are beginning to ask about it.

If this isn't the case, what’s holding you back from being in God's Word? Is it a question of time? Disinterest? Lack of support?

As we face the beginning of a new year, now is a good time to commit or recommit to spending time in the Bible. Even just a few minutes a day to start is better than nothing. Important appointments go on your calendar; identify your best time of day and schedule Scripture reading and prayer. Then don’t let anything interfere with it.

Don’t just make this another ‘New Year’s Resolution’. Be resolved. Be determined, steadfast, resolute, unwavering. Let nothing shake you from your purpose. Inside God’s Word are great treasures waiting to be discovered. Allow the light shining off these riches to guide your feet and illuminate your path (Psalm 119:105).

May God bless you as you follow Him in 2014.

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For more of my writing, please visit my website, www.susan-barclay.ca

We've Only Just Begun -- Janet Sketchley

My best mornings begin with a special time alone with God. These days it’s once the kids are in school. When they were small, desperation had me setting my alarm early enough to fortify my spirit before getting into the breakfast chaos.

In the shelter of my bed (sitting up to keep awake) I’d enjoy a quiet time of prayer and Scripture. It was like a spiritual snuggle with my Divine Parent before I faced my own parenting role.

The Bible has so many images of the parental aspects of God’s heart. One particular morning, I was musing on the description of Him as “Father to the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5)

I’d been raised by wonderful parents, who were still an integral part of my wellbeing. But I was in my mid-thirties, with a husband and children of my own. I had grown up.

Still, part of me often felt like an orphaned child, cowering alone. I ached for God to be that Father – and Mother – to me now.

I poured out my fears and loneliness to Him in prayer, longing to rest in His love – the same way I had rested in my parents’ love as a child. Abba… Papa… help me to stay in the shelter of Your care. Grow me under Your watchful eye.

After a while, I felt in my heart that it was time to get up. Lord, I sense our time together is over now….

I meant it as clarification – am I really supposed to get up? I’d neither read His Word nor listened for His leading. I’d done all the talking – again.

A gentle reassurance interrupted me: Oh, no… we’ve just begun.

Could I really have heard His message, inaudible but understood? It resonated in my soul, a wonderful, warm, loving promise.

What followed was the mental equivalent of that little scoot that a parent gives a toddler to send her out to play after a hug. With a smile for the future, I scooted.

© Janet Sketchley, 2011

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For devotionals, reviews and conversation, stop by Janet Sketchley's blog, God with Us: Finding Joy.