Janice Thompson's Blog, page 27

The Dance of Peace

This devotion was taken from a book of devotions that my daughter, Megan Kimbrough, and I wrote years ago. The book is titled "Dancing Like a Shepherd Boy, Fighting Like a King." It was designed as a flip book for pre-teens. One half of the book was about the victories (dances) in David's life. The other half was about his struggles. Enjoy this devotion about one of his dances. . .peace.

Swingin' Scripture: Psalm 122:1, 6-8

I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD."  And now we are standing here inside your gates, O Jerusalem…  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.  O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces.  For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, "Peace be with you."

David's Dance:

David ached for peace in the city of Jerusalem.  He loved his city and his people so much that he longed for peace to overwhelm them all.  There were many who came to Jerusalem from all sorts of other places, and David wanted them to feel the peace that rained down on the city.  He prayed "Oh Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls!"  This was his heart's cry – his true desire.  He never stopped praying this prayer, and left a legacy for us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, too.  Even in our day, the city of Jerusalem has to struggle for peace.  But David wouldn't want anyone to stop praying, because he knew that the dance of peace was critical to keep the hearts of the people turned towards God.

Questions to Keep You on Your Toes:

Do you ache for peace in the situations of your life like David did in his?
When you pray and seek something for a long time and nothing seems to be happening, do you just want to give up?
Does David's action inspire you to seek more peace in your circumstances?

Set Your Feet to Dancin'

In order to dance the dance of peace like David did, we have to care as much as he cared!  He cared about his city, his people.  We should care just as much about the people in our lives.  When we are discouraged and feel like there's no point in praying for peace anymore, that's when we need to seek it more!

On Your Knees, Please!

Dear God,

Give me a heart that seeks peace.  Help me to never give up hope.  I want to ache for peace like David did.  I want to dance this dance in every situation of my life.  I trust You Lord!  In Your Name I pray, Amen.

And All That Jazz… (thought for the day)

Am I a peacemaker?

Create in Me

Draw me, Lord

Oh, Father, mine…

With penciled strokes

erase, define

the edges of my life

give them shape, give them form,

Call them forth as one who is born

of more than barren, earthly seed,

Father God, call to me…

And draw me close

 

Speak through me,

gentle wind

Words of life

May I send

across the rocking,

rolling sea

of this vast  humanity,

As I live and breathe and move

Use my words to heal, to soothe

Lord, speak through me

 

Create in me,

Author of all

With wing-tipped fingers

touch and stir

the untapped places in my life

take me from this world of strife

to places I have never seen

places I have only dreamed

Create in me

 

Roller Coaster Writing

If I fall asleep with a pen in my hand, don't remove it – I might be writing in my dreams.

Danzae Pace

Have you ever boarded a roller coaster at an amusement park, only to wonder what you'd just gotten yourself into? If so, then you know what it feels like to be a full-time freelance writer. Up one day, down the next. . .the average freelancer rises over the crest on the proverbial coaster, only to plummet back down the other side, losing her stomach in the process. Scary stuff, the writing biz.

Even those of us who are fortunate enough to have book contracts aren't immune to that inevitable "stomach in the throat" feeling when we don't know what's coming around the next bend. "Will my readers love my next story, or boo me off the stage?" "Will my editors decide the gig is up and send me packing?" "Will I be able to meet my next deadline if I take on extra work on the side?" "Can I really support myself in this crazy business?"

Oy, the questions! How they fly. And yet, the writer plows ahead, undeterred. What propels her, besides the rent, electric bill and so forth? Her undeniable love affair with the written word. She is addicted. . .unashamedly, head-over-heels addicted. She couldn't give it up if she wanted to.

And so she perseveres. She eats, sleeps and breathes her WIP (work in progress). The laptop becomes her faithful companion. She wonders if others fall asleep thinking of the next step in their plotline. Her dreams are filled with images from her story—colorful, vibrant and alive. Morning awakens and she rushes to pick up her characters where she left them the night before.

When her fingers hit the keys, her breathing steadies. She's at home once more.

Perhaps you can relate to this writer. Maybe you've walked a mile in her shoes. If so, then you know what it's like to give yourself over to your craft. There are high highs and low lows, and many unexpected places in-between. The joys are many, but so are the sorrows. And the freelancer, for all of her trying, still battles the inevitable questions and fears. She also wonders about the financial. . .a lot. And like the woman in this story, she seeks out other work, hoping to make ends meet. She edits on the side. She pitches magazine articles. She shares her story with writers groups. She offers her services as a creative writing teacher at a local homeschool group. And all with one thing in mind. . .to support her habit.

There is no twelve-step program for this poor soul. She's in this thing for life. When her days come to their rightful end, she will be found at her computer, rigid fingers still perched on the keys, the words THE END etched in crisp black print against a frozen white screen. Times New Roman font, of course. 12-pitch. Just in case an editor happens by.

Yep, writing is tough work. But this weary author, for all of her joys and sorrows, hopes the gig won't be up, even when this life is over. If there's not a laptop waiting for her in heaven, she plans to take it up with the Almighty. Surely he will offer her a position as a freelancer. After all, the stories up there will be out of this world. Literally.

Want to learn more about the business of writing? Check out my online courses!

Battling Guilt

This devotion was taken from a book of devotions that my daughter, Megan Kimbrough, and I wrote years ago. The book is titled "Dancing Like a Shepherd Boy, Fighting Like a King." It was designed as a flip book for pre-teens. One half of the book was about the victories (dances) in David's life. The other half was about his struggles. Enjoy this devotion about his struggle with guilt.

Sword of the Spirit  (2 Samuel 12:13)

Then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD."

Nathan replied, "Yes, but the LORD has forgiven you, and you won't die for this sin." (For more information about David's sin against God and man, read 2 Samuel 11 & 12)

David's Battle: Guilt

Have you ever felt so bad, so guilty that you just didn't think you could ever make things right again?  David reached this point even after he became King!  He seemed to do one wrong thing after another.  First he slept with Bathsheba, a woman who wasn't his wife.  Then, when he found out she was pregnant, he had her husband killed.  For awhile, David tried to act like everything was cool – like he hadn't done anything wrong.  Ever do that?  God sent Nathan the prophet to David, to let him know that God was broken-hearted over what had happened.  What David had done was wrong, and he knew it.  Once Nathan "caught him in the act," he suddenly felt overwhelmed with guilt.  It made him feel sick all the way to the core of his being.  But somehow, like the King that he was, David managed to do the right thing to turn the situation around.  What did he do right?  David confessed his sin – both to God and to Nathan.  He admitted that what he had done was wrong.  He recognized in his heart of hearts that he had sinned against God – not just man.  His confession set the wheels in motion to make things right again.  Not only did God forgive him, but ultimately David learned to forgive himself.  The guilt was lifted, and he was free to move on.

Strategic Questions:

Is there a difference between conviction and guilt?
When we feel convicted by our sin, how should we respond?
Once we've been forgiven, should we have anything to feel guilty about?

Putting On Your Armor:

Do you ever battle with guilt like David did?  All of us are sinners.  We all do things that break God's heart at times.  But if we ask for His forgiveness, He gives it freely.  We may not always want to confess our sins.  David didn't either.  He was pretty stubborn about it, in fact.  When we get like that, God has to send people like Nathan to us.  Nathan wasn't fooling around with David.  He meant business.  There's a reason for that. As much as our sin hurts us, it usually hurts others, too.  Carrying the guilt of that can be a heavy burden.  Often the Lord will ask us to go to those we've hurt and ask for their forgiveness.  This may not be easy, but it's worth it in the end.  Receiving their forgiveness can lift a huge weight off of our shoulders and it reassures the person that we've hurt that we are not their enemy.  Even if they choose not to forgive us, we will always know that we did the right thing.  Once God has forgiven us and we've set things right with others, it's time to forgive ourselves.  This is often the hardest of all.  However, with God all things are possible!  Jesus took our guilt and our shame on Himself when He died on the cross.  How awesome!  How totally amazing!  When He looks at us, he sees that we are as white as snow, innocent as lambs.  No more guilt!  Praise God!

S.O.S. (Speaking to Our Savior in prayer)

Oh Lord!

Sometimes I feel so guilty about the things I've done – the times I've hurt others and the times I've broken your heart.  Please forgive me, God – and help me to do whatever I need to do to make things right.  Please release me from this guilt and help me learn how to forgive myself.  Remind me that you sent your Son to free me from guilt and sin.  I ask all of this in Jesus' name.  Amen.

Which Side Are You On?  (Thought for the Day)

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death.  (Romans 8:1 – 2)

 

The Dance of Innocence

This devotion was taken from a book of devotions that my daughter, Megan Kimbrough, and I wrote years ago. The book is titled "Dancing Like a Shepherd Boy, Fighting Like a King." It was designed as a flip book for pre-teens. One half of the book was about the victories (dances) in David's life. The other half was about his struggles. Enjoy this devotion about one of his dances. . .innocence.

Swingin' Scripture: Psalm 26:1 – 7

Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.  Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.   Test my motives and affections.  For I am constantly aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth.  I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites.  I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked.  I wash my hands to declare my innocence.  I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your miracles.

David's Dance:

Declare me innocent!" David proclaimed.  And innocent he was!  In this scripture, David danced the dance of innocence by making a public announcement… "I am innocent!"   Does that mean he never did anything wrong?  No way!   Remember, this is the same guy who had Bathsheba's husband killed!  But he knew that once God forgave him, he regained his innocence!   David told the Lord, "I hate being with those who do evil, for I am opposite of them.  God, honor me!"  Sounds pretty bold, doesn't it!  But that's what made this dance so victorious.  Because he was forgiven, David wasn't afraid to be in God's presence.  In fact, he loved being with God in the sanctuary.  "I will stand for you, Lord!" he cried.  And he danced the dance of innocence all the days of his life.

Questions to Keep You on Your Toes:

Do you consider yourself to be as innocent as David?
Can God really give us second chances with innocence?
Have you lost your innocence in some way and want it back?

Set Your Feet to Dancin'

This story about David reminds us that it's never too late to get your innocence back.  God can take your guilt and fill your heart with purity again.  God rewarded David's innocence.  He will do the same for you!  We can dance the dance of innocence just like David did.  All we have to do is to ask for forgiveness for our sins, and the dance begins!  The minute we make the confession, God forgives us and sees us as innocent as babies.  Then, like David, we can shout, "Declare me innocent, O Lord!"

On Your Knees, Please!

Dear God,

Sometimes I don't feel very innocent.  I feel really guilty, in fact.  But let me be like David!  I want to be innocent in all I do!  Please forgive me for my sins, Lord.  Wash them clean with the blood of Jesus and make me white as snow.  Then remind me that you see me as a clean person – completely pure and ready to live for you.  I want my innocence back, Lord.  I thank You!  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

And All That Jazz… (thought for the day)

Do I see myself the way God sees me?

 

Battling Anger

This devotion was taken from a book of devotions that my daughter, Megan Kimbrough, and I wrote years ago. The book is titled "Dancing Like a Shepherd Boy, Fighting Like a King." It was designed as a flip book for pre-teens. One half of the book was about the victories (dances) in David's life. The other half was about his struggles. Enjoy this devotion about his struggle with anger.

Sword of the Spirit  (I Samuel 25)

"Who is this fellow David?" Nabal sneered. "Who does this son of Jesse think he is? There are lots of servants these days who run away from their masters. Should I take my bread and water and the meat I've slaughtered for my shearers and give it to a band of outlaws who come from who knows where?" So David's messengers returned and told him what Nabal had said.  "Get your swords!" was David's reply as he strapped on his own. (For more on how David handled his anger, read all of I Sam. 25)

David's Battle: Anger

David and his guys were in need of supplies.  There was a rich man nearby named Nabal.  He had plenty to spare, so David sent messengers to ask Nabal if he could share a little.  Rich or not, Nabal wasn't interested in helping out.  In fact, he was pretty rude about it. He even did a little name-calling.  His selfishness was wrong, really wrong.  However, the problem only got worse when David found out what had been said.  David immediately got angry.  Has that ever happened to you?  Do you ever get angry without even thinking?  David wasn't 'acting' like the man of God he was called to be.  He was 'reacting' in anger to Nabal's comments.  Thank goodness, God sent Nabal's sensible and cool-headed wife, Abigail, to calm David down and talk some sense into him before he did something he would regret later on.  In the end, God took care of Nabal in His own way.  David won this battle against anger by listening to Abigail's soothing words and by remembering that God had a plan for his life.

Strategic Questions:

What really ticks you off? How do you respond when that particular thing happens?  Do you get angry right away?
Would you consider yourself an 'actor' or a 'reactor?'
Has God placed any 'Abigails' in your life?  How do you treat them?

Putting On Your Armor:

We all fight the 'anger' battle just like David.  The problem with this battle is that it often comes on so quickly!  Our temper just flares up from out of nowhere.  When someone says something rude to us, we often become furious without even thinking.  But, like David, God may have someone like Abigail come along and try to calm us down – to help us see that our anger won't solve anything.  We need to stay calm, cool and collected whenever we are offended or upset.  It's hard, sure – but if we will take the time to take a deep breath and listen to reason, we will often avoid making huge mistakes.

S.O.S. (Speaking to Our Savior in prayer)

Dear Lord,

Why do I always seem to get so angry?  Please take that anger away, God!  Help me to see that You've got a much bigger plan.  When others hurt me or take advantage of me, help me to 'act' like the child of God that I am, and not 'react' with angry words or deeds.  I'm sorry for hanging onto this anger for so long, Lord.   Please forgive me.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Which Side Are You On?  (Thought for the Day)

Am I an 'actor' or a 'reactor?'

 

The Dance of Patience

This devotion was taken from a book of devotions that my daughter, Megan Kimbrough, and I wrote years ago. The book is titled "Dancing Like a Shepherd Boy, Fighting Like a King." It was designed as a flip book for pre-teens. One half of the book was about the victories (dances) in David's life. The other half was about his struggles. Enjoy this devotion about one of his dances. . .patience.

Swingin' Scripture: Psalm 37:7 – 9

Wait patiently for the LORD.  Be brave and courageous.  Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.   Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act.  Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.  Stop your anger!  Turn from your rage!  Do not envy others— it only leads to harm.  For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.

David's Dance: Patience

In this scripture, David is telling us to be patient… to wait on God.  That's not easy to do, but it's something he had to do in his own life.   So many times, David had to wait for an answer from the Lord.  Remember, David had to wait for the day to come when Saul's kingdom would end.  His patience paid off, and David eventually became King!  When things went wrong in his life, he had to wait and trust God to work out the details.  In every situation, God came through.  Just like us, David often grew impatient.  In fact, he even sinned because of his impatience sometimes.  But in the end he learned that God was in control of the timing.  That's why he was able to say, "Wait patiently on the Lord…" because he finally learned to be patient!

Questions to Keep You on Your Toes:

Are you patient?
When do you get the most impatient?
Are you the one who gets irritated with the patient one?

Set Your Feet to Dancin'

Patience.  A word we all hate, right?  Well, according to the Bible, we all need it, and I really mean "need" it!  Without patience, we would be angry and bitter all of the time.   We can be like David and have patience.  How is it possible to wait?  We have to stop being anxious.  We have to stop focusing on others, especially those who seem to be getting answers when we don't.  We have to trust God and know that He knows what's best for us.  His timing is everything!  We need to be glad that we don't always get what we want when we want it!  Having to wait teaches us to be grateful, and it also shows us that some things are worth waiting for!  While we're waiting, we have to be brave and courageous, just like David.  Don't listen to those who may say, "God is ignoring you."  Don't be open to their judgment calls.  God will answer in His time, not yours.  Just don't lose your patience.  After all, God never loses His patience with you!

On Your Knees, Please!

Dear God,

Help me to keep my patience.  When I'm in a hurry for your answer, let me remember you're taking your time for my own good.  I love you, Lord!  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

And All That Jazz… (thought for the day)

Am I impatient about becoming more patient?

 

Battling a Bad Reputation

This devotion was taken from a book of devotions that my daughter, Megan Kimbrough, and I wrote years ago. The book is titled "Dancing Like a Shepherd Boy, Fighting Like a King." It was designed as a flip book for pre-teens. One half of the book was about the victories (dances) in David's life. The other half was about his struggles. Enjoy this devotion about one of his struggles – his reputation.

Sword of the Spirit

Answer me when I call, O God who declares me innocent.  Take away my distress.  Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.  How long will you people ruin my reputation?  How long will you make these groundless accusations?  How long will you pursue lies?

David's Battle:

One thing David really struggled with was his reputation.  Can you relate?  It seemed that there were always people around him who wanted to bring him down by talking badly about him.  They accused him of things that he hadn't done.  They wanted to ruin him so that others wouldn't respect him.  That's tough!  They told lies because lies were obviously more exciting than the truth.  The cool thing about this story is that David knew God still found him innocent.  He remembered that his reputation before God was the most important thing – not what others thought about him.  As long as he stayed focused on that, it didn't matter so much what others thought.

Strategic Questions:

Why do people want to ruin the reputation of others?
Have you ever done anything to damage your own reputation?
How is a reputation restored?

Putting On Your Armor:

When it comes to our reputations, we must walk very carefully.  People are always watching what we do and say once they know we're Christians.  Sometimes, even when we do the right things, we are falsely accused and our reputation goes downhill.  In those times, we must remember to call out to God and to remember that He still sees us as his child – pure and spotless.  We can learn from David's example on this one.  He didn't let the words of others tear him down.  Instead, he let God's opinion build him up!

S.O.S. (Speaking to Our Savior in prayer)

Dear Lord,

Thank you for caring about every part of my life, even my reputation.  When others talk badly about me, help me not to respond by talking bad about them.  Help me to forgive and to keep my reputation pure.   In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

Which Side Are You On?  (Thought for the Day)

Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1)

 

 

The Dance of Friendship

This devotion was taken from a book of devotions that my daughter, Megan Kimbrough, and I wrote years ago. The book is titled "Dancing Like a Shepherd Boy, Fighting Like a King." It was designed as a flip book for pre-teens. One half of the book was about the victories (dances) in David's life. The other half was about his struggles. Enjoy this devotion about one of his dances. . .friendship.

Swingin' Scripture: 1 Sam. 18: 1 – 4

After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king's son. There was an immediate bond of love between them, and they became the best of friends. From that day on Saul kept David with him at the palace and wouldn't let him return home. And Jonathan made a special vow to be David's friend, and he sealed the pact by giving him his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt.

David's Dance: Friendship

Do you have a best friend?  Think of that person right now!  You would do anything for your friend, wouldn't you?  From the first day David met Jonathan, he felt exactly the same way.  He couldn't leave his side!  They were the best of buds.  Each of them would do just about anything for the other.  Jonathan made a special vow to seal their friendship.  Lots of friends do that.  They make commitments to each other and promise to always support one another.  Jonathan gave David pieces of his clothing.  This symbolized his loyalty to him.  From that day on, they were committed to their relationship.  This relationship was tested later on, but their dance of friendship always got them through every problem.

Questions to Keep You on Your Toes:

Do you have a 'Jonathan' in your life?  If so, how do you treat each other?
What is so special about a best friend?
What would you be willing to give up for your best friend?

Set Your Feet to Dancin'

Do you know the friendship dance?  Are you dancing it with someone already?  It's lots of fun!  If you have a close friend, then you probably feel about that person like Jonathan and David felt about each other.  They would give up anything for each other.  We should be just as loyal to our friends, shouldn't we?  God has placed them in our lives for a reason!  Things won't always be easy.  It wasn't always easy for David and Jonathan.  But with God's help, you can dance this dance with your friends for a life-time!

On Your Knees, Please!

Dear God,

Help me to be a friend like Jonathan was to David.  Let me be thankful for the friends you give me.  Please teach me to dance this dance without stepping on anyone else's toes!  Let me be willing to be loyal to my friends.  Thank you for the people you place in my life, God.  In Jesus' name!  Amen!

And All That Jazz… (thought for the day)

"And here is how to measure it – the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends."  John 15:13

 

Battling Selfishness

This devotion was taken from a book of devotions that my daughter, Megan Kimbrough, and I wrote years ago. The book is titled "Dancing Like a Shepherd Boy, Fighting Like a King." It was designed as a flip book for pre-teens. One half of the book was about the victories (dances) in David's life. The other half was about his struggles. Enjoy this devotion about one of his struggles – selfishness.

Sword of the Spirit

But David said, "No, my brothers! Don't be selfish with what the LORD has given us. He has kept us safe and helped us defeat the enemy.  Do you think anyone will listen to you when you talk like this? We share and share alike—those who go to battle and those who guard the equipment."  From then on David made this a law for all of Israel, and it is still followed.

David's Battle:

David and his men defeated their enemy and were about to divide the stuff they had gained in the battle.  This was how it was done back then.  Whoever won the battle got to keep all of the "spoils" of battle – the stuff that used to belong to the people from the other side.  This time, the guys who had fought with David felt like they deserved more than the men who had stayed behind and guarded their equipment.  It just made sense to them.  But it didn't make sense to David.  He felt that everyone should "share and share alike."  This was a biblical principal that became law because of David.  When he got back to Ziklag, he sent part of the stuff they had won to the leaders of Judah who were his friends.  He also sent gifts to the leaders of every town where he and his followers he had stayed, as a special 'thank you.'  He wasn't selfish.  He didn't hoard everything for himself.  He knew that sharing was the best plan for everyone.

Strategic Questions:

Is there anything that you just don't like to share?
Why do you suppose David felt like everyone had a right to share in the stuff they collected – even those who didn't fight?
How would you feel if you were one of David's warriors?

Putting On Your Armor:

Man!  This story steps on a few toes, doesn't it?!?!  It's one thing to share our stuff when we want to – it's another thing to share it because someone tells us we have to!  Has that ever happened to you – you get a new shirt or a pair of jeans – and your sister or brother wants to borrow them?  "It's mine!" we want to argue.  Forget sharing!  After all, they might mess it up, right?  But David understood that sharing was a godly thing.  His generous spirit made him many friends and it also helped him remember that material possessions weren't the most important things in his life.  No matter how many battles he won, no matter how much stuff he collected – the people in his life were always more important.

S.O.S. (Speaking to Our Savior in prayer)

Dear Lord,

I confess, I've been a little selfish.  Please give me a spirit of generosity like David did.  Take away any selfishness or stinginess.  Show me how to give of myself.  I want to be generous like David was.  Help me to learn from his example.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

Which Side Are You On?  (Thought for the Day)

Which is better – to give or to receive?