Posts Tagged ‘devotions’

Our Omnipresent God

Friday, March 19th, 2010

We read in the Bible (Psalm 139) that God is omnipresent. He is literally everywhere that we could possibly go. The Psalm says that He fills all of the universe. At any moment and any place, God is there. Isn’t that amazing?! It’s hard to comprehend or to understand, but there is nowhere that we can go where God is not present.

Later, in Colossians we read that not only is God present everywhere in the universe, He is also present even in the smallest particle of matter. This goes even further to show His presence everywhere within His creation. We cannot find a place of a thing that does not have God’s presence.

There is no way the human mind can fully comprehend the fact that our God can be present everywhere at the same time. As humans, we are limited in both time and space, but God is not. Although I do not really understand how it is possible, I know that it is true.

Any time I call on Him, He hears my cry – and He does the same for each of His children. Someone once said, “When thousands of Christians are praying privately around the world at the same time, each one can be sure that he is receiving God’s undivided attention.”

At times when you feel alone, be assured that God is there. He stands beside you; He sees and knows all that you are going through. You are not alone. You are not forsaken. God is there. Let that be your courage, comfort and joy.

Father, thank you so very much for always being with me, regardless of the circumstance. Thank you that no matter where I go or how far I stray, I can know that You are right there. I love you and trust that Your presence will be a comforting factor throughout all of the situations that I face.

Dr. Ann Shorb is a professional counselor with CCES in Hanover, PA. She serves local clients through face-to-face counseling in the office, and others throughout the US can receive phone counseling. She provides a variety of services including pre-marital counseling and marriage counseling.

Victory Is Near

Saturday, March 13th, 2010

Right before Christ died, the last days of His life were so hectic and chaotic that His disciples had a difficult time keeping up. One of His most well-known miracles was the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead. On the next day he made a triumphant entry to Jerusalem as the people hailed Him as their Messiah. By this time Jesus had become famous throughout the entire region, and people came from all over to catch a glimpse of Him.

During these days the disciples no doubt had to have been excited about the great and wonderful things that were happening, and they had to be filled with tremendous excitement about what would come next. Throughout this time Jesus told them on a few occasions that He would be going to His Father and leaving the disciples. Although the disciples didn’t truly understand what was about to happen, they knew Jesus was the Messiah and that He was there to save them.

Those days of promise and hope soon turned to chaos and fear as Christ went from being hailed to being hated; from treated as a king to tortured as a criminal; and from glorified to crucified.

Certainly the disciples went through a very difficult time as the watched Jesus, the man they had followed so closely, die on a cross. Their days had been filled with so much excitement and promise, but now tragedy had taken its place. Jesus had said to the disciples that they would live because He lived. But now that he was dead, how could that be?

The disciples’ sorrow wouldn’t last long though as just a few days later Christ would rise from the dead. As He did so He fulfilled prophecy and lived up to the statements that He had previously made.

Jesus still lives today and He promises that we will have victory! There are times when I don’t understand why things are happening a certain way, but I remember that He is the Christ who was sent by His Father.

When I face those times of struggles and confusion in my life, I can turn to Him and know that He has the answers and the power to get me through it. He will lead me to victory.

Glorious Savior, help me always to remember that victory is only a short distance away and find hope, peace and courage in You.

Dr. Ann Shorb is a counselor, author and speaker. Through CCES she provides many different services for couples, families and individuals including Christian marriage counseling and premarital counseling.

How You Can Have A Quiet Time With God

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

For most Christians having a daily quiet time in Scripture and prayer is one of the most difficult aspects of our spiritual lives. Our enemy knows that this time each day is critical to our walk and our strength as believers, and he will do anything within his power to prevent us from getting this time. For this reason it is important that we make it a habit to have time with God each day.

The first step is to decide on a time of day that will work best for you, and block this time off for nothing but your quiet time with God. Choose a time that will present as few distractions as possible, and then make it happen. After all, we keep track of everything else in our lives and plan our other appointments and activities. Doesn’t time with God demand the same attention?

Find a quiet place where you will not be distracted. Get away from things that will interrupt your time with God and give Him your full attention. Maybe there is a room in your house where you can get away, or maybe it’s easier at your office before everyone else arrives.

The third and final step is to come up with a plan for what you will be doing with your quiet time. You may choose to study a specific book of the Bible (or group of books), read through the entire Bible, or follow along through a devotional book or workbook.

Looking at the next year in advance, plan how you will be dedicating your quiet time with God. Choose a path of study that you think will have a practical impact on your life. Ask for God’s leading as He shows you what to study and how to spend your time in Scripture.

Just like diet and exercise are critical to your physical health, time alone with God is critical to your spiritual and emotional health. Make that standing appointment for every day and do what ever you can to keep it each day.

Father, I know how important it is that I have time alone with you each day. Help me to put aside the distractions and to prioritize this time. Show me what you would have me to study and how I can apply it to my daily life.

Ann Shorb is a counselor that practices in central PA. Through her organization, Christian counseling provider & Educational Services, she provides marriage counseling, help with ADHD, depression, grief, and more.