Lillie Ammann's Blog, page 55

Devotion for Thursday after Lent 3

“Pity me, pity me, O you my friends,

For the hand of God has struck me.

“Why do you persecute me as God does,

And are not satisfied with my flesh?

“Oh that my words were written!

Oh that they were inscribed in a book!

“That with an iron stylus and lead

They were engraved in the rock forever!

“As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,

And at the last He will take His stand on the earth.

“Even after my skin is destroyed,

Yet from my flesh I shall see God;

Whom I myself shall behold,

And whom my eyes will see and not another.

My heart faints within me!

“If you say, ‘How shall we persecute him?’

And ‘What pretext for a case against him can we find?’

“Then be afraid of the sword for yourselves,

For wrath brings the punishment of the sword,

So that you may know there is judgment.” ~ Job 19:21-29

Even though Job complained that he needed pity from his friends because “the hand of God had struck him,” he knew his Redeemer lives and that He would take His stand on the earth one day. Job lived centuries before the birth of Jesus, yet he knew that he had a living Redeemer who would be there at the end of time. We have the benefit of history—Jesus lived, died, and was raised again, and He has promised that He will come again and take His followers to the new city and the new earth to live forever.

Lord God, I know my Redeemer lives, that He will come to judge the world, and that He will take all who believe in Him to live with Him forever in the new heaven and the new earth. May I live my life here and now in preparation for that great day of His return. In His name. Amen.

Image: © Depositphotos.com/anelina

Increasing Productivity and Creativity Through Your Workspace: Guest Post from Adam Robertson

Studies have shown that the ability to focus and concentrate and the ability to think creatively as a writer has a lot to do with your physical surroundings.

Something as simple as seating yourself in a comfortable chair, such as an ergonomic office chair, can increase your overall performance.

Here we will discuss ways that can help you to increase levels of productivity and creativity through your workspace.

Improving Physical Ergonomics

Today, a large percentage of the population, including those who write for a living, is seated in a chair all day long.

A chair can be monitored to ultimately ensure that a writer’s body is positioned correctly in their workspace. If you as a writer choose to use a computer to write, then it is best to make sure that your screen is at eye level. Similarly, it is best to ensure that your feet are flat on the floor to improve your physical ergonomics when writing.

Eliminate Clutter in Your Writing Environment

Mentally, when you are surrounded by clutter in your writing environment, it can cause your mind to feel cluttered, and this can eliminate all aspects of creativity.

Keeping your writing environment clean and tidy is particularly important. Spending a few minutes every morning tidying your writing environment isn’t a lot to ask. However, it will provide you with a huge difference in levels of productivity.

Place Yourself in New Seating and Environments

When you are seated in the same writing environment every day, you might begin to lack creativity. Because of this, it is best to visit new places and environments to increase your overall creativity. This could be as little as visiting the park rather than sitting in your home where you are restricting your level of experience.

As well as seating yourself in different working environments, it is good to invest in a new and comfortable seat. This way you could eliminate the possibility of getting distracted from your writing due to back pains. Ergonomic office chairs are a great choice of seating as they help improve posture. This is especially good for writers who spend most of their time seated in a chair.

The Importance of Storage

As a writer, it is important to keep yourself, as well as your workspace environment, tidy and organized. A great way to keep the workspace organized is the use of storage, such as filing cabinets. This way, you will find it particularly easy to access any of your resources and supplies such as reference books, which help you with your writing.

As a result, you won’t be wasting time trying to find your equipment, and in time this will help to improve your productivity level.

Finding the Right Lighting

Lighting is important while working, especially for a writer. The lighting in the workspace environment can ultimately help a writer’s ability to perform well.

Straining your eyes due to writing in the dark is bad, therefore it is always best to invest in a small lamp to help improve the lighting in the room.

Listening to Evocative Music

Furthermore, another way that a writer can spark their level of creativity is listening to evocative music. For writers, it is always great to listen to music before sitting down to write, or even before brainstorming ideas.

Writers often find listening to music a useful way of getting the creative juices flowing. However, don’t be shocked if you find that working in complete silence is better for you to concentrate and be more productive when writing.

Overall, increasing productivity and creativity through your workspace can ultimately help improve your level of writing. This can be something as little as purchasing a new office chair, changing working environments, or even eliminating the clutter in your workspace environment.

As well as the above, browsing through images could be a bright idea for writers to do in order to improve their creativity. Searching for images on Google can give you ideas to write about.

Author Bio: Adam Robertson is a professional in the office furnishings industry. He works for Allard Office Furniture, an office furniture company that has eighteen years of shared experience in office desks, chairs, supplies, and accessories.

Image: © Depositphotos.com/alexeys

Devotion for Wednesday after Lent 3

All who see me sneer at me;

They separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying,

“Commit yourself to the Lord; let Him deliver him;

Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.” ~ Psalm 22:7-8

Especially in today’s politically correct environment, people sneer at Christians who commit themselves to the Lord. We may even risk our jobs and our earthly treasures if we stand for truth and righteousness. Just as onlookers sneered at Jesus on the cross, saying “let his God rescue Him,” people sneer at Christians today. But those sneers aren’t the final word: God was still in control at the Crucifixion, and he is still in control today. He will rescue us, whether He saves our jobs or our earthly treasures or not.

Almighty God, You are sovereign, and I know I can trust You to rescue me. Even if you don’t save me according to human standards—even if I lose my job or my worldly goods or even my life, You will save me when and where it counts. You will save me from eternal damnation to eternal life with You. Thank You! In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Image: © Depositphotos.com/Alexan66

Devotion for Tuesday after Lent 3

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” ~ John 6:35-37

Jesus calls us to “come to Him.” He will feed us with Himself so we are never hungry or thirsty again. Physical hunger and thirst can be painful, but spiritual hunger and thirst is worse. Life is empty and meaningless without God.

Lord God, I thank You that when I go to You, You never turn me away. Even if I wandered from Your way and done things that broke Your heart, You are always there wanting to embrace me in Your loving arms and feed me with spiritual food and drink. I will never hunger or thirst spiritually as long as I continue to abide in You. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Devotion for Monday after Lent 3

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen. ~ 1 Peter 5:6-11

If Satan, the devil, the serpent, the dragon of old wore a red suit and carried a pitchfork, we might recognize him more easily. However, although he prowls around like a roaring lion, he doesn’t go around on four legs, roaring and tossing his mane. He is powerful—but God is much more powerful. We can resist the devil because we can cast all our worries, pain, fear, and suffering on God, and we can count on Him for care for us. We just have to remember who is in control.

Almighty God, I give all my worries, fears, and problems to You. I can’t resist the devil on my own power, but with You I can do anything. You are King of kings, God of gods, Lord of lords, and I worship You in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Image: © Depositphotos.com/Rawpixel

Devotion for the Third Sunday in Lent

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

~ 1 Peter 4:12-16

We don’t like to suffer. We’re accustomed to living a comfortable life, with plenty of food, adequate shelter, and clothing that not only protects us from the elements but looks good as well. If we get sick, we expect to get a shot or take a pill and get well. We certainly don’t think we should be reviled because of our belief in Jesus Christ. Yet Christians are losing their jobs for expressing their beliefs, florists and bakers are being sued because they refuse to provide services in violation of their Christian faith, and believers are being mocked, ridiculed, and called intolerant. None of this is new, though. Martyrdom has occurred since the days of the apostles. And the Bible tells us that we are to glorify God if we suffer as a Christian. We are blessed when we suffer for our faith—the Spirit of glory and of God rests on us when we are persecuted for the name of Jesus.

Almighty and everlasting God, give me courage and endurance and hope when faced with suffering, abuse, persecution for my faith. If I am mistreated for Your sake, let me thank You for sharing in even a tiny bit the suffering of Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen.

Image: © Depositphotos.com/justinkendra

Devotion for Saturday after Lent 2

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. For,

“The one who desires life, to love and see good days,

Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.

“He must turn away from evil and do good;

He must seek peace and pursue it.

“For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous,

And His ears attend to their prayer,

But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.

~ 1 Peter 3:8-18

Many people probably think it would be preferable to suffer for doing evil than for doing good. After all, if you are doing wrong, you would deserve punishment. But God’s Word tells us it’s better if we suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Our Lord suffered more intensely than we ever will, and He was pure and sinless. He suffered as punishment for our sins. He took the stripes that we deserve. He hung on the cross and died in our place. He shed His blood to purify us.

Thank You, All-Merciful Lord, that Jesus has already taken the punishment I deserve. He took the torture and the mental abuse and even the death that rightfully should have come to me. Empower me by the Holy Spirit to do good and not evil and to take whatever suffering and mistreatment comes my way. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Image: © Depositphotos.com/wideonet

Devotion for Friday after Lent 2

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.

For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

~ 1 Peter 2:13-25

Western Christians generally don’t like the passages in the Bible that tell us to submit. Wives, submit to your husbands; servants, submit to your masters; citizens, submit to your government. But the ultimate submission—the one every Christian owes—is submission to God. We should follow His will, not our own. He loves us and knows far better than we do what is in our best interest. He wants us to acknowledge His Lordship in our lives—He should be first and nothing else should even be a close second.

Lord God, You are the Lord of my life, and I give myself completely to You. Do with me what You will, and lead me where You want me to go. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Image: © Depositphotos.com/Qingwa

Devotion for Thursday after Lent 2

And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth.

~ 1 Peter 1:8-17

We are to be holy as God is holy. We can’t do that in our own power, for our flesh is weak and of a sinful nature. We must fix our hope on God’s grace to lead us and mold us into the people He wants us to be. He washes us with the Blood of the Lamb and sanctifies us. We are not worthy, but His grace makes us worthy.

Thank You, Lord, that the Holy Spirit working in me purifies me and sanctifies me. In my own power, I am sinful and impure, but You make me clean; You make me holy. May I always turn my heart and will to You. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Image: © Depositphotos.com/eric1513

Devotion for Wednesday after Lent 2

O God, hasten to deliver me;

O Lord, hasten to my help!

~ Psalm 70:1

How often do we cry out to God for help? We need His help to meet our basic needs and our highest goals. We need His help against danger, sickness, worry, temptation, fear, and doubt. But we also need His help to make the right choices, to love our brothers and sisters, to appreciate the blessings He gives us. We need to feel His presence in good times and bad. What a blessing to be able to cry out for His help and know that He will respond with the help we need.

Thank You, Lord, that You will answer my cry for help. I depend on You for everything, and I need Your help to live and to love the way You want me to. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Image: © Depositphotos.com/Jordache