Part of the Miracle

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www.PartoftheMiracle.com is the first of what is to come.

04/20/2019

April 20, 2019

"The Lord will comfort Israel again and have pity on her ruins. Her desert will blossom like Eden, her barren wilderness like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found there. Songs of thanksgiving will fill the air." Isaiah 51:3

Father, bring us into a new season of rejoicing in You. Bring new life and beauty to what has been dry and lifeless. Open the heavens and take us into realms of Your Spirit that we've never seen before. Give us new songs of praise to worship You. May we walk in Your resurrection life and power; overflowing with comfort and joy to all around us. We ask for the springs of Your living water to flow through and from us. Thank you for the refreshing You have given us in Your presence during these 40 days of Lent. Enable us to continue to pray with boldness and expectancy in the authority of Jesus' Name. May our lives bring You all the glory, praise and honor that You are due.


Elizabeth Robinson
Lent, 2019

04/19/2019

April 19, 2019

Happy Good Friday! Love you all!

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God and I will trust Him. For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings, His faithful promises are your armor and protection." Psalm 91: 1-4

Father, as we look to the cross of Christ, we find our salvation and shelter. Your Son carried our weaknesses and sorrows. He was pierced for our wrong doings. He was sinless yet He bore our sins so that we could be rescued and find our rest in Him alone. Cover us with Your feathers and provide us refuge under Your wings. Let us abide in Your Presence knowing that You are our armor and protection. As we look to You today, fill our earthly temples with Your glorious presence and may our worship of You bring You great delight.


Elizabeth Robinson
Lent, 2019

04/08/2019

April 8, 2019

"With my whole heart, with my whole life, and with my innermost being, I bow in wonder and love before You, the holy God!...You kissed my heart with forgiveness, in spite of all I've done. You've healed me inside and out from every disease. You've rescued me from hell and saved my life. You've crowned me with love and mercy. You satisfy my every desire with good things."
Psalm 103: 1,3,4,5a

Father, we ask You to comfort those who are in need of Your mercy and love today. You, who did not spare Your only Son, loves with a love that is beyond comprehension. Be near to those who feel forgotten today. Give them the peace and assurance that they are on Your mind continuously. Pour the balm of Your Spirit over them; healing all the broken and wounded parts of their hearts. Give them a new song of praise unto You. Draw near to our loved ones who are far from You. Awaken their eyes to see Christ's love for them poured out at the cross.


Elizabeth Robinson
Lent, 2019

04/05/2019

April 5, 2019

"Pray passionately in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times. Pray the blessings of God upon all His believers." Ephesians 6:18

Father, We ask that our prayers during this Lenten season would be energized and directed by Your Holy Spirit. Open our eyes and fill us with a Spirit of wisdom and revelation as we pray so that we might pray what is on Your heart for Your people. Help us to know Your Word so that our prayers might be filled with the power of Your Word that is living and active. May our prayers release Your blessings upon our loved ones, our neighbors, our enemies, and those in need. Bring a new hunger and thirst for You in our community!


Elizabeth Robinson
Lent, 2019

04/04/2019

April 4, 2019

"Put on truth as a belt to strengthen you to stand in triumph. Put on holiness as the protective armor that covers your heart. Stand on your feet alert, then you'll always be ready to share the blessings of peace. In every battle, take faith as your wrap around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the evil one. Embrace the power of salvation's full deliverance, like a helmet to protect your thoughts from lies. And take the mighty razor-sharp Spirit-sword of the spoken Word of God." Ephesians 6:14-18 (TPT)

Father, We praise You for the armor of God that You have given us to fight the battles of the enemy, the world and our flesh. All the pieces of the armor point us to Jesus Christ - truth, holiness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word. Clothe us in Jesus Christ - may He wrap around us and fill us and be a shield around us. Thank you that Christ is greater - in Christ, we are more than conquerors! Help us to pray bold prayers in the power of Jesus name and for His glory!


Elizabeth Robinson
Lent, 2019

04/03/2019

April 3, 2019

Our God of Second Chances

Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Perhaps one of the most memorable and heart-touching stories of grace and forgiveness is recorded in Luke 15. It’s what we’ve come to know as the Story of the Prodigal Son. This young man demanded his inheritance while his father was still alive, spent it all on riotous living, and found himself dirty, destitute, and despairing. As despicable as pigs were to Jews, this young man took a job taking care of pigs and eating their food just to stay alive. But then he had an epiphany.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death. I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got up and went to his father” (Luke 15:17-20).

And where was his father? He was panning the horizon, hoping for a sign that his boy might return home. Don’t let the depth of that sentence pass you by. The father was PANNING the horizon. Looking. Waiting. Praying.

It is easy to think that God is dispassionately sitting on his throne just waiting for us to come groveling back to him. That’s not the picture Jesus paints at all. The father was panning the horizon. Searching. Pacing. Expectant. That’s how much your heavenly father loves you. There’s nothing passive about it.

While “he was still a long way off” (verse 20), the father spotted his son on the horizon. Filled with compassion, he picked up the edges of his robe and ran. He didn’t wait for his son to come to him, grovel at his feet, and beg for forgiveness. No, as soon as the father caught a glimpse of his son, he dashed toward his boy, smothered him with kisses, and welcomed him home.

If you remember, not everyone was happy when the prodigal son returned. His big brother resented the fact that he got another chance. And you know what? There will be those who resent the fact that we get another chance as well.

“Big brother won’t mind if you come back as long as you hang your head and wear your shame. But when God has the audacity to give you a little dignity back and you dare lift your radiant face to heaven in liberated praise, big brother may be appalled!…It’s pride that can’t celebrate with a prodigal-come-home. Folks who won’t celebrate are still kidding themselves into thinking they did something right to be loved by their Father.”11

I say, let him be appalled. Nothing makes some people angrier than grace. Big brother is invited to the party too, and it’s his decision whether or not he wants to join in the celebration. I’m just glad he’s not the one in charge.

Jesus was telling this story to a group of Pharisees while others also listened in. The typical question asked when telling this story is, are you the prodigal son or the big brother. But here’s where I want you to hang your hat today. Jesus loved both. The prodigal and the big brother. The sinner and the Pharisee. You and me. He pans the horizon looking for all to come to Him. And when we do He says: Let the party begin!

Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for never giving up on me. Whether I’m acting like the wayward prodigal or the judgmental big brother, I know that You love me and long for me to take my place in Your loving arms. Father, I’m home.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

04/01/2019

April 1, 2019

Generosity is a Privilege

Arlene Pellicane

Today’s Truth
He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor. (Proverbs 22:9, NKJV)

Friend to Friend
It was a generous act that got my attention.

After I was done speaking at a conference, a teenage boy asked to speak with me at my book table. “I know this may be strange,” he said. “But I’d like to buy books for the next ten people at your table.”

He handed me $100. I couldn’t believe that someone wanted to be so generous, and I couldn’t believe it was a 17-year-old boy! The host church wasn’t in an affluent part of town and I later learned that boy did not come from a rich family.

I praised his generosity and motioned for him to stay close, so he could overhear my next conversation. A kind looking woman in her fifties handed me a small stack of books to purchase. I had the privilege of saying, “An anonymous donor has already bought those books for you. Today, they are free!”

You should have seen the smile on her face and tears in her eyes. It was almost as touching as the look on that young man’s face as he saw the joy generated by his sacrificial act.

He, the generous giver, was blessed! Today’s truth says that “He who has generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.” How does one have a generous eye? I believe it’s about looking around to notice the needs of others and to respond. The opposite would be a selfish, me-centered eye. Now that kind of eye is the one we’re born with and the kind social media breeds. We need to cultivate a generous eye by the power of the Holy Spirit.

There was a saying posted at the host church, “Generosity is a privilege.”

It’s not a duty, burden, problem, or something to be avoided at all costs. It’s a privilege to give money in an offering, pay for someone’s meal, serve children by volunteering, or buy books for someone else. The Bible tells us what our attitude should be when giving in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

When you give generously to others, you are partnering with God in the profound work of ministry. You are putting a spotlight on the abundant good works of God in our lives. You may be generous with your money, and you can also be generous in these areas:

Your time. Spend unhurried time with your family members and best friends. Be generous with your minutes with people and miserly with your screen time. Take time out to volunteer for service projects, drive the van, or sit with a hurting friend.

Your talents. Maybe you have the heart of a coach or teacher. You can volunteer to tutor kids or coach basketball. Do you sing or play an instrument? Get involved in your church, join a band, or minister at your local nursing home. Are you great with numbers? You might offer to help out a non-profit with their accounting.

Your words. Be lavish in your praise and encouraging words. In Acts 20:2 (NIV) it says that Paul “traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece.”

Let’s be known for our generous acts and our generous eyes. Generosity truly is a privilege and a blessing to everyone involved.

Let’s Pray
Dear Jesus, thank You for Your ultimate generosity in loving me. Change my heart from a selfish heart to a giving heart. May I speak words of encouragement to the people around me. Help me to give cheerfully of my money, time, and talents.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

03/30/2019

March 30, 2019

"I prayed to the LORD, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation, I prayed and the LORD listened; He saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!" Psalm 34: 4-8 (NLT)

O LORD, Your Word is so living and powerful! In this beautiful passage, the Psalmist tells of all that you do for us when we pray. You answer us, You free us from fear, You take our shame, You listen to us, You save us, You guard us, You surround and defend us. What a wonderful Savior You are! Most of all, You want us to find joy as we pray to You! It is not a duty but a delight! Take us higher in prayer with You today!


Elizabeth Robinson
Lent, 2019

03/29/2019

March 29, 2019

I Want to Be Pursued

SHARON JAYNES

“But the LORD God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’” Genesis 3:9 (NIV)

The first time I eyed him, he was sitting on the floor at a friend’s Bible study with his back against the wall, dressed in scruffy jeans and a red flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled halfway up his muscular forearms. His thick brown hair and chocolate-brown eyes left me weak in the knees. And the best part was that this handsome man (whom I eventually married) had a tattered Bible in his lap. I was smitten from the first time I laid eyes on Steve.

One night, Steve asked me to a college football game, and I agreed to go. Then he said, “Can I just ask you? Will you go with me to all of the football games for the rest of the year?”

“I’m not going to answer that question,” I replied. “You’ll just have to ask me each week.”

Looking back on those early days, what I was really saying was that I wanted to be pursued. None of this blanket-invitation-for-the-entire-season business. I wanted to be wooed and won. Even though he had me the moment I saw him sitting on the s**g carpet, I didn’t want him to know that. I wanted him to show me I was worth putting forth the effort to capture my heart. Isn’t that the desire of every human heart?

And nobody does it better than God.

The entire Bible, from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22:21, is a record of God’s passionate pursuit of the human heart. We end the last chapter of the Old Testament with silence. And then 400 years later, God breaks the holy hush with the cry of a babe in a manger as the story picks back up in Bethlehem.

From God’s first question, “Where are you?” until Jesus’ final words, “It is finished,” we see God drawing mankind with “cords of kindness” that sometimes appear anything but kind — drawing people back to Himself “with ties of love” (Hosea 11:4, NIV). We’ve wiggled and wrangled trying to break free of those cords, but He continues to lasso us with love and draw us in. Asking yet again, “Where are you?”

God has pulled out all the stops to pursue you and me. Moved heaven and earth — literally — to win us back, to reestablish the glory that was lost in the Garden. Most of us feel that we have to pursue God continually, as if He were hard to find. And as long as we believe that, our faith journey will be difficult. It will be arduous.

After all, Jesus reminded us, “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” (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV). And yet, easy and light are not words that come quickly to mind when most think of their faith journey.

God is wooing us, stirring us, awakening a longing for Him in our souls.

Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them” (John 6:44a, NIV). He tunes the violin and pulls the bow across the strings of your heart and waits for you to recognize the melody wooing you into relationship with Him. Because you’re reading this devotion, He knows you’re listening.

I have been in an all-out pursuit of God for most of my adult life. But when He turned my telescope around, the truth became clear. I had it all wrong. He was much too small, and I far too big. I began to see He was the one pursing me with an outstretched hand, inviting me to live and move and have my being in Him. And friend, God is pursuing you, too!

What’s the key to experiencing God’s passionate pursuit? It’s simple, really. We must recognize and acknowledge His presence as we live and move and have our being in Him. Acts 17:28 must be more than a nice Bible verse; it must become a way of life. When it does, sudden glory moments where we recognize His presence will fill our lives and take our breath away. It is a divine romance of the purest kind.

Dear Father, thank You for pursuing me more fervently and passionately than anyone else ever will. As You continue to woo my heart every day, help me come to You and be overwhelmed with the expanse of Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Ephesians 3:17b-19, “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (NIV)

03/28/2019

March 28, 2019

"The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid for You are close beside me." Psalm 23: 1-4

O LORD, how blessed we are that You are our eternal Shepherd. You lead us to streams of living water and help us to lay down and rest in green meadows. Help us as we seek to strengthen our prayer lives to rest and abide in You, knowing that You want to live and flow through us. Restore and revive us as we rest in Your complete love and care. We will never be lonely because You are near. Be near to those we love today who need to see You as their all sufficient provider.


Elizabeth Robinson
Lent, 2019

03/27/2019

March 27, 2019

We're Loved Even When Life is Messy

Today’s Truth
I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39, NLT).

Friend to Friend
I walk into the kitchen on an ordinary morning and sigh at the spectacle in front of me. Mugs half-filled with cold tea. Dishes with bits of red sauce still stuck around the edges. Plates piled high in the sink.

I imagine a hazmat team beating down the door at any moment. One of my in-laws showing up to repossess my husband. Paparazzi peeking in the windows to snap a scandalous shot of the wreckage.

I look at my husband and declare, “I feel like a failure because the kitchen is a mess.” I know these words are irrational. Everyone has messy times in their lives. But on this morning those words feel true. He chuckles at my perfectionist self. “We’ve been traveling and really busy,” he says with a grin and an arm around my shoulders.

This bit of grace is enough to throw me a lifeline. And into that space comes this reminder: “I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love” (Romans 8:38-39).

And quite suddenly and unexpectedly I’m writing my own version….

Nothing can separate me from God’s love. Neither messy kitchens nor dirty dishes, neither stressful deadlines or chaotic travel, neither all I have to do today or what’s on my schedule for tomorrow—not even the lie of the enemy saying “You’re a failure” can separate me from God’s love.

How would you fill in those blanks?

Nothing can separate me from God’s love. Neither (screaming children, a hard diagnosis, the amount of wine I had last night, a crumbling marriage, the bad hair day) nor (what anyone says about me, how many times I’ve messed up before, my insecurity or feelings of inadequacy, the latest bad news on TV)--not even the sneaky attacks of the enemy (on my heart, my work, my family) can separate me from God's love.

There’s always a reason to believe God isn’t going to love us anymore. But there is also one reason we can always know that isn’t true: The Cross. It is bigger than mountains of dishes or the hardest of divorces or the scariest diagnosis. It is the one constant in our crazy lives, the ever-present declaration telling us over and over again, “You are loved. You are loved. You are loved.”

My husband and I clear the counters and load the dishwasher. As we do, my thoughts begin to clear too. It’s so easy to let my circumstances or environment define me. But God alone gets to determine my identity. He looks at all that’s in my life, in my heart, in my kitchen sink and He still calls me always and without hesitation, “Beloved.”

He’s saying the same to you. To all of us. Whatever may happen, however we may feel, Love gets the final word in our lives today.

Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, I’m overwhelmed by Your love for me. It isn’t based on my track record or my resume. It won’t fail or disappear if I mess up. You love me for me, just as I am. When I try to measure up or listen to the lies that say I need to be more or do more, remind me of grace. Your Love gets the final word.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn
How would you fill in those blanks? Write it out today… Neither ________ nor ________ -- not even ________ can separate me from God's love.

Holley Gerth

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China Springs, TX
76633

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