Weekly Devotional ~ May 17th, 2009

“Come to me all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.”
- Matthew 11:28 (KJV)

We all have those times in our lives that we are not certain if we can make it through or not. For some this may be because of an illness, for others it may be a bad situation at work, or just a sin that you continue to struggle with. All of our difficult times are different, but we all have one thing in common. When we bring our struggles to Jesus, he will help us to bear the burden. When walking side-by-side with Jesus, letting him help you carry your burden with you, it will not seem as difficult as when you tried to do it alone.

Leave your burden, in prayer, at the feet of Jesus> Yoke yourself with Jesus as you face your difficulty and “ye shall find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29b). For when you are yoked with Jesus and walk together with him, you carry His yoke, and as He said in Matthew 11:30, “…My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Don’t toil and struggle more than you need to with the situation you are facing today. Take some time to pray about it and ask Jesus to help you. He will help you find the rest and peace that you need today!

Dear God,
Thank you for your Word and the encouragement that we can find within it. Help us each to face our struggles today, not alone, but side-by-side with Jesus. Please take the burden I am dealing with today and help me to persevere through it. I know that each triumph over struggle will bring me closer to you. Please walk with me and lighten my burden today.

In Jesus’ Blessed Name,

Amen.

About the author: Alicia H. Tucker is a homeschool mom of three, after having taught in public schools for over ten years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Technology. She is a freelance writer and is currently working on writing her first book.

Weekly Devotional ~ May 4th, 2009

What shall we then say to these things?
If God be for us, who can be against us?”
- Romans 8:31 (KJV)

With my children, we have been reading about Joshua’s great victories in the book entitled, “Bible Battles” by Lettice Bell and Jessica Erskine. The main thing that we have learned through reading about these battles is that when Joshua waited on God, he was victorious; when he did not wait upon God, his attempt was a terrible failure.

It is the same for us today. Although we do not have to fight the same battles as Joshua, we still have struggles in our lives. When we pray and wait on an answer before proceeding through something, we can know that God is with us. But, when we try to figure it out on our own, we may find that our “battle” has become even more difficult to deal with.

God will be with us if we ask Him to be and if we wait for Him. When God is with us, we can face our struggles bravely and know that God is in control. Although everything may not go as WE thought it should, God knows better what we need and will make sure that His will happens. He will make sure we have the victories that He intended… when we trust in Him and wait for Him.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us the stories of Joshua’s battles. Through these stories, we can know how important it is to wait for You! Please help us to pray and wait for you when we face our battles in life. Help us to remember the miraculous victories Joshua had when he waited for you and when he obeyed you. Always help us to remember that when you are with us, there are none that can stand against us.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

About the author: Alicia H. Tucker is a homeschool mom of three, after having taught in public schools for over ten years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Technology. She is a freelance writer and is currently working on writing her first book.

Weekly Devotional ~ April 26, 2009

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
- Mark 16:15

These words were spoken by Jesus before he ascended into heaven. Although it is not always easy to share the good news of Jesus with everyone, it is what Jesus commanded. This is his Great Commission.

One of the best ways to share the news of Jesus is by the example of our lives. If you are walking around miserably, showing others that things are not going your way, or complaining about everything, then your “gospel” – your sharing of the good news – is limited. Alternatively, if you are joyful and are looking for the good in all things, even in the face of sadness and difficult times, then you will have a better way to reach others about Jesus. When you are joyful and positive, people may desire to find out why you are that way even in bad times. When they eventually find out it is because you have Jesus, they may decide they want to find him too.

We all have someone we know that does not know Jesus yet. We may have even tried to talk to this person about Jesus but have been brushed off or otherwise told that they are not interested. Although that person may not have accepted Jesus on that day, a seed still was planted. Don’t think that what you shared fell on deaf ears. It was heard, even if it was not accepted on that day. Keep praying for that person (or people). The seed that God allowed you to plant in their hearts may one day be what helps them find Jesus.

Dear Father,
Thank you that we live in a place where we can freely talk about Jesus. Thank you that we have this freedom. Please help us to focus on the joy that you have given each of us. Help us to find the positive things in our lives. Help us to reach others with your good news. Help them to want to know Jesus too. For those we have told about Jesus, help the seed of truth to blossom in their hearts so that they can seek and know you better.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen 

 

About the author:    Alicia H. Tucker is a homeschool mom of three, after having taught in public schools for over ten years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Technology. She is a freelance writer and is currently working on writing her first book.

Weekly Devotional ~ April 19th, 2009

And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
- Luke 24:50-53 (KJV)

After the death and glorious resurrection of Jesus, the disciples had a chance to see him and speak with him again. They now had confirmation that what they believed about Jesus was in fact true! They were able to see that he was indeed risen from the dead. They knew that he had to be the son of God in order to do that. Then, he spoke to them one last time and was taken to heaven. Right before their eyes, they saw it and they knew. They knew that what they had believed all along was REAL!

We have not had the opportunity to see this amazing event, however, we know that this event happened and is as real today as it was then. How do we know? We know by faith. Faith is knowing that which cannot be readily seen. We have faith that Jesus is the son of God and we faithfully believe that we will one day join them in heaven. We can trust that this is what will happen… we KNOW it is real… because God’s Word says it is so. The words in the Bible are God-breathed – inspired by God and written by many others – not just one person.

So, we can worship God and have as great a joy as the disciples had on that day. We can continually praise God just as they did then. We can do this because we KNOW it is as the Word says it is.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us Your Word. We know it was inspired by you and that the words speak the truth. Because we have your word, we can faithfully believe and know without a doubt what has happened. We know that Jesus died, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven. We know that we can one day be with you because of the gift Jesus gave. Please help us to keep searching your word for the truth and direction it can give us in our lives. Please help us to always love and seek you.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

 

About the author:    Alicia H. Tucker is a homeschool mom of three, after having taught in public schools for over ten years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Technology. She is a freelance writer and is currently working on writing her first book. 

The True Meaning of Easter

photo credit: rahego

Easter is often seen as a time of renewal and of new birth and growth. Since it is in Spring, there are new plants blossoming all around us that helps to confirm this newness. However, we celebrate Easter for an even more important reason – moreso than the upspringing of new life. It is the time that we remember one special life that was brought back from the dead. Jesus’!

We have heard the story of Jesus’ crucifixion before and although it is a very sad retelling, there is a happy ending… one that is happier and gives us more hope than any tale we have ever heard. The best part of this story is that it is true!

Jesus was betrayed…

Jesus was humiliated…

Jesus was beaten…

Jesus was mocked…

Jesus was tortured…

Jesus died a very slow and painful death.

Why?

He paid the price of our sins – with his own life – so that we can one day be in heaven eternally. Because of the price he paid, our sins are washed clean. Although he was scared, he knew that this had to happen. He knew that God had a plan and he knew what had to be done. I do not know very many people who would be willing to go through all of that suffering that Jesus did. He did this not only for the people who were alive at that time, but for all the future generations of all time. He died for people he did not even know yet – he died for those that were not even born yet – he died for each of us – you and me.

The price was paid for each of us. Becuase of Jesus’ gift, we can all be forgiven of our sins. Amazing! Then, something even more wonderful and joyful and bewildering happened. The women of Galilee went to the tomb, but when they arrived, the stone was rolled away and Jesus was not there. While there were trying to contemplate what could have happened, they were approached by angels that asked, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he is risen! (Luke, 24: 5-6)”. Then the angels asked them to remember what Jesus had said while he was still with them in Galilee: “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again (Luke 24: 6-7).” Praise God for this amazing and wonderful miracle! Jesus rose from the dead!

As you celebrate this easter with your family and enjoy the egg hunts and the time together, please remember the greatest gift – Jesus – is the reason for Easter. The celebrations of all that is new is remembered because of the gift of his life and his following resurrection. Jesus returned from the dead and now lives forever. He is always with us and always will be. He loved us before we were born and he accepts us just as we are.

Have a blessed Easter this year and in the years to come! May God bless you and your family this Easter and always! And remember….

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

About the author:    Alicia H. Tucker is a homeschool mom of three, after having taught in public schools for over ten years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Technology. She is a freelance writer and is currently working on writing her first book.

 

 

 

Enjoying Springtime with Your Children

  photo credit: *kaetzchen

Depending on where you live, Spring has either sprung or is ready to spring as the winter cold is fading away. Or, like here in sunny SC, winter is trying to come and get its one last hurrah! No matter when spring arrives, there are things that you can do with your children to celebrate and enjoy spring when it arrives. You will all enjoy the wonder and excitement you can discover together.

First, you could try bird-watching in your yard or a nearby park. If you can, try hanging a bird feeder or two outside and see what birds coem to visit.  Keep a log of your feathered visitors, with a description of each (or snap a picture – no flash ). Then, you can go online or use a bird identification field guide to find out the names of each of your guests.

Nature hikes are another fun thing you can do in spring with your children. If you take a notebook and pencil (or a camera), you and your children can keep track of how nature changes from week to week or month to month each spring. It might even be fun to turn your notes and pictures into a scrapbook that you can look back at an enjoy in teh years to come.

If you like to garden or have never gardened, planning and planting things together can also be alot of fun! Even if you can only plant a little in a few pots on your porch, you will still enjoy gardening together. After you have decided what you would like to plant, take some time together to draw a “map” of wehre you would like to plant each thing. Even if you don’t have a big enough yard, maybe you could use an indoor window box planter or a large pot on a patio. The days, weeks, and months that you watch your seeds grow into wonderful things is a great way  to share time together. Plus, if you are able to grow any fruits or vegetables, you will also have something delicious to share as well!

These are just a few things you can do together this spring. I am sure there are more that you can think of for some long-lasting family fun. The important thing is to have fun and enjoy the time together! Happy Spring!

About the author:    Alicia H. Tucker is a homeschool mom of three, after having taught in public schools for over ten years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Technology. She is a freelance writer and is currently working on writing her first book.

Palm Sunday ~ 4/5/2009

photo credit: Lee Carson

“Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!”
- Matthew 21:9b

When I read in my Bible about the life of Jesus, I like to read the different perspectives that are given separately by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Although each tells the same story, each gives a slightly different perspective, based on what each saw as they witnessed the events of Jesus’ life.

When reading about Jesus’ triumphal entry in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, we can see how the prophesy was fulfilled and how the animal that he rode upon was found. This is amazing in how it happened (Matthew 21, Mark 11, and Luke 19). However, it becomes even more amazing of a story when you read the book of John, Chapter 12. It tells the same story of what happened as they approached Jerusalem as they came to Bethpage on the Mount of Olives. Then, it goes on to tell you how Jesus was feeling as well!

Jesus knew what was going to happen. He knew that he was to be sacrificed on our behalf. He KNEW the pain and sufferring he would endure so that we could be forgiven. He knew and his heart was heavy. He was afraid of what he had to do, but knew that he had to do it. He was scared, but he did not cry out to God for deliverance. He bravely approached what was going to happen!

As it says in John 12:24 (paraphrased): As a kernel of wheat dies, it produces many seeds. Jesus knew he was going to die, but he also knew that in return so many of us would one day be able to be reunited in heaven. He knew how hard what he had to do was going to be, but he did it anyway! Out of his love for us.

As a child, each Palm Sunday I remember being given a palm to bring home. One single palm. I woud hang it in my room each Palm Sunday and keep it as a reminder. When I was younger, I did not know the full meaning, but I do now. Think of the palms on which Jesus rode across as he tred across the ground on the donkey. We think of them as a reminder. Maybe Jesus thought of them as well as he rode over them. A king riding humbly into town on a very humble beast. A KING dying for those that he loved. Think of the palms as you think about the fear and the heavy heart that Jesus, our king, had as he tred down the road on a very humble beast. He knew what needed to be done, so that the kingdom of God could be glorified. He knew what needed to be done and he did it out of love!

Remember Jesus this Palm Sunday! If you recieved a palm today, save it, and put it in a place that you will see every day. Help it to remind you of the gift that Jesus chose to give you, knowing how difficult it was going to be.

“Hosanna!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!
Hosanna in the highest!
- Mark 11:9b

About the author:    Alicia H. Tucker is a homeschool mom of three, after having taught in public schools for over ten years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Technology. She is a freelance writer and is currently working on writing her first book.

Weekly Devotional ~ 3/29/09

 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

- Luke 6: 43-45 (KJV)

Instead of saying what I believe about this verse, this is an excellent verse that can speak for itself. It speaks to each of us in a different way, but the meaning is important no matter what we feel when reading this verse. It applies to us as mothers, wives, people, and Christians. I encourage you to read this verse here and in your Bible and see how God is speaking to you through it.

Once you have read it, ask God to show you how it applies to your life. You may be struggling with something and find the encouragement you need to push forth and get through it. Every time I read and pray about this verse, I find a different area of my life in which it applies. We all want to bring forth good fruits and the best place to start is in God’s Word!

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving me your Word, the Bible, so that I can hear you speaking to my heart. As I read Your Word each day, help me to learn how I can be the good tree that bringeth forth good fruit. Thank you Father for the gentle but effective way that you speak to my heart! Help me to make time each day to spend time with You and Your Word. Let not the hectic pace and busy times of life distract me from you and your ways. Help me to make time every day to read your Word and follow your ways. Help others to know you better by the fruit that is produced by my following You!

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

 

About the author:    Alicia H. Tucker is a homeschool mom of three, after having taught in public schools for over ten years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Technology. She is a freelance writer and is currently working on writing her first book.

Weekly Devotional 2/15/09

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
- Psalm 1:1-3 (KJV)

The imagery of this passage makes me think of a gently flowing stream, surrounded by trees and other plants, fully in bloom. Beautiful… calm… peaceful. How can we attain this peace and contentment in our lives? Let’s look at the passage and see…

First, do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, stand in the way of sinners, not sit in the seat of the scornful. Basically, do not act the way that those who do not know God act. Don’t say the things they might say or do the things that they might do. Keep your focus on God and away from the sinful things of this world.

Delight in God’s law, meditate by it day and night. Make sure that even in your hectic pace of life that you take time to spend time in God’s Word each day. More than once per day if possible. Doing this is difficult at times, as the things of the day can quickly pull you in so many directions. But, keep on trying to have this special time with God and His Word. It will help to guide your thoughts and your actions each step of your way.

Why should we stay away from sin and spend time in God’s Word? You will be like a tree planted by water… you will bring forth fruit… your leaves will not wither…. and whatever you do, you will prosper. By letting God and His Word lead you each step and each breath of your day, you will be blessed. This is not to say that you will not have any more difficult times in life, but you will be better able to weather these times. In the long run, you will prosper… not wither… you will bring forth fruit… and not fade away.

If you are searching for peace and contentment in your life, reflect on this passage and spend time in the other parts of God’s wonderful Word. The Bible is there to help show you the way when you are not certain which way to go. God has given us the instruction manual; all we have to do is read it and the blessings will follow.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving me your Word, the Bible, so that I can know your will for my life. Help me to make time each day to spend time with You and Your Word. Let not the hectic pace and busy times of life distract me from you and your ways. Help me to make time every day to read your Word and follow your ways. Help others to know you better by the fruit that is produced by my following You!

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

About the author:    Alicia H. Tucker is a homeschool mom of three, after having taught in public schools for over ten years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Technology. She is a freelance writer and is currently working on writing her first book.

Weekly Devotional 2/8/09

“If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.”
- I John 4:12b

God loved us so much that He sent His only son to die as a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus made this sacrifice out of love. Because of this sacrifice, we no longer have to be separated from God because of our sins. Instead, we can be forgiven and one day be reunited with God in heaven.

God calls us to love one another. This week, as we approach Valentine’s Day, remember that by showing love to others, God is pleased and will abide with us. He has given us the ability to show love to others, so it is important that we do not forget to do so.

Although we have experienced those that are more difficult to love, we still must try to love them. This is what God desires for us to do. A kind word, helping someone in need, a heartfelt note, or whatever else you can think of to show kindness and love will be a great way to express the love that God has given to you. He has filled us each with love, so that we may go out and share this love with others.

This coming Saturday, don’t just show love to your family, think of others that might need a little love as well. There may be co-workers that need a little bit of encouragement… people at church that need a kind word… those who live in nursing homes that are lonely… someone who is out of work that may need a meal to help feed his family. Those needing love are all around us. So take a look around and see where you can share a little bit of God’s love. One loving act is sometimes all it takes to show someone that they are loved; but by showing this love, they can also know that God loves them as well.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving me and for the sacrifice that Jesus gave on the cross. Father, I know that one day I can be with you in heaven. While I am still here on earth, help me to show your love to those around me. Lord, I know that there are so many that need love today; help me to see them and to know what I can do to help. May the love that I show to others help them to know that You love them also, so that they may one day be with you in Heaven as well.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

About the author:    Alicia H. Tucker is a homeschool mom of three, after having taught in public schools for over ten years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Technology. She is a freelance writer and is currently working on writing her first book.

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