God is Awesome!                                     

God Speaks... 

is a contemporary compilation of Spirit-Led devotions written in order to encourage others in the Christian family.

These Christian daily devotions detail confirmations, commands and rebukes that the Lord spoke to me through scriptures, dreams and real-life situations. 

The open and honest thoughts which I have expressed in this book originated while God directed my path. I am sure sure the Christian daily devotions offered here will prayerfully move one's heart.

God Speaks... Only $9.99

                 Psalm 1:3 (New International Version)

3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers. 

Composition of the Book of Psalms
The Book of Psalms is divided into 150 Psalms, each of which constitutes a religious song or chant, though one or two are atypically long and may constitute a set of related chants. When the Bible was divided into chapters, each Psalm was assigned its own chapter. Psalms are sometimes referenced as chapters, despite that chapter assignments postdate the initial composition of the "canonical" Psalms by at least 1,500 years.
The organization and numbering of the Psalms differs slightly between the (Masoretic) Hebrew and the (Septuagint) Greek manuscripts:

•  Psalms 9 and 10 in the Hebrew are together as Psalm 9 in the Greek
•  Psalms 114 and 115 in the Hebrew are Psalm 113 in the Greek 
•  Psalms 114 and 115 in the Greek appear as Psalm 116 in the Hebrew 
•  Psalms 146 and 147 in the Greek form Psalm 147 in the Hebrew

Christian traditions vary:

•  Protestant translations are based on the Hebrew numbering; 
•  Eastern Orthodox translations are based on the Greek numbering; 
•  Roman Catholic official liturgical texts follow the Greek numbering, but modern Catholic translations often use the Hebrew numbering, sometimes adding, in parenthesis, the Greek numbering as well.  

The Psalms in Christian Worship 
New Testament references show that the earliest Christians used the Psalms in worship, and the Psalms have remained an important part of worship in virtually all Christian Churches. The Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches have always made systematic use of the Psalms, with a cycle for the recitation of all or most of them over the course of one or more weeks. In the early centuries of the Church, it was expected that any candidate for bishop would be able to recite the entire Psalter from memory, something they often learned automatically during their time as monks.

Today, new translations and settings of the Psalms continue to be produced. Several conservative denominations sing only the Psalms (some churches also sing the small number of hymns found elsewhere in the Bible) in worship, and do not accept the use of any non-Biblical hymns; examples are the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, the Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States and the Free Church of Scotland.

Some Psalms are among the best-known and best-loved passages of Scripture, with a popularity extending well beyond regular church-goers. In particular, the 23rd Psalm ("The Lord is My Shepherd", 22nd in the Greek numbering) offers an immediately appealing message of comfort and is widely chosen for church funeral services, either as a reading or in one of several popular hymn settings; and Psalm 50/51 ("Have mercy on me O God", called the Miserere from the first word in its Latin version) is by far the most sung Psalm of Orthodoxy, in both Divine Liturgy and Hours, in the sacrament of repentance or confession, and in other settings.

Psalm 102/103 ("Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name!") is one of the best-known prayers of praise.

Psalm 136/137 ("By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down and wept") is a moody, yet eventually triumphant, meditation upon living in slavery, and has been used in at least one spiritual, as well as one well-known reggae song; the Orthodox church often uses this hymn during Lent. In popular music, the U2 song "40" is based on Psalm 40 ("I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.")

Perseverance 

When the going gets tough, Christians persevere.  It isn’t always easy to live in obedience to God.  Trials and tribulation distract us off our righteous path on a daily basis.  It is imperative that we have confidence in our faith and the promises God has given us.  Hebrews 10:19-39 is and excellent study in maintaining our faith through living a Godly life – regardless of worldly circumstances.  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)

Don’t underestimate the power of a cheering section.  Christian camaraderie brings encouragement and uplifts the spirit.  We are accountable to each other as much as to God.  A friend in Christ is one who shares our burdens, offers a shoulder to lean on, cries, prays and works with us.  Christians, who stand beside each other, especially in the face of adversity, may be ridiculed on earth but rewarded in the end.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10: 24)

 We were put here on this Earth to do a job, to complete a task, to fulfill a purpose.  It’s not always going to be easy.  In fact, we are told that, as ambassadors for Christ, we are targets for Satan.  That’s the exact reason we are instructed in Ephesians 6:10-20 to put on the armor of God.  We must put on every piece of that armor in order to stand against the devil’s schemes.  2 Timothy 2:1-13 shows us what strength looks like.  Even when our faith is faltering, we must endure.  We can become even stronger in Christ’s grace if we stay the course and follow God’s rules, work hard, and remain faithful.  God will remain faithful in return.  So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (Hebrews 10: 35 &36)

We are the army of God!  Let that sink in for a second.  You are a soldier, not a coward.  You were built for mighty things by a mighty Creator who has promised never to allow you more hardship than you can prayerfully handle.  You are born of royal blood, a descendant of the King of Kings!  You keep your sights on the horizon, on God’s will for your life, and you cannot be detoured. 

Philippians 3:12-14 urges us to press on no matter what; to constantly strive to become the person God has created us to be.  Christ could have given up at any time.  He was fully God, but he was also fully man.  He knew the pain, torture, ridicule and humiliation he was going to endure.   He also knew our Heavenly Father had a greater plan.  Through the death of our Lord, thousands upon thousands of souls will live an Eternity of beauty and wonder.  That prize was worth the suffering for Christ.  He was willing to die so that we might live.  He didn’t shun his status because of impending torture.  He claimed his role and lived the ultimate example of perseverance and sacrifice.  We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. (Hebrews 10:39)

Throughout the Bible we find examples of this encouragement to continue on in life’s race toward a goal or a prize.  1 Corinthians 9:24-27 says we are to run straight toward that goal, denying ourselves whatever is potentially harmful.  The Bible says we are to discipline our bodies and train our minds in order to be the best soldiers we can be.  Our reward is clear.  Earthly suffering is short.  Eternal life is “a crown that will last forever.” 

Wear the Message of Grace: A Work Week's Devotions

As the artist and designer for Ashbach Designs, I want more than for you to just wear a piece of pretty jewelry, I want you to wear each piece as a symbol of your faith. In keeping with this idea, I have created a work week's devotions to go with your jewelry, or another special faith symbol in your life. Each day, meditate on how you can use your jewelry to connect with others, share the message, and remind yourself where your true passion lies.

Monday: Connect

Colossians 2:2-3 "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Wearing a Christian symbol becomes a personal statement of belief, which invites conversation into the ‘everyday' level of our faith. Use a symbol as a means to communicate with someone, and find a common ground of understanding, or to appreciate differences. Connection not only reveals the quality of our lives, but also reminds us that the unseen reality is far more precious than the seen. Remember to connect with the creator, who has given you everything you will need. That is the hope of these symbols, that they will remind you of your most important relationship and all that it means for you personally today.

Tuesday: ‘Wear' the Message of Grace

Hebrews 3:6-8 "But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast. So, as the Holy Spirit says: 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."

Through Christ, I know who I am created to be. By understanding who we are because of who Christ is, and what He has done for us, I am encouraged and am able to love and create out of fullness, not fear. I am free to live to my fullest potential in the life giving, forgiving and saving grace of Christ.

So hold fast to God's greatest gift, His Son, who has brought us new life and will one day bring us beyond earth to heavens glory. Experience Him. In Him we have a true home, meaning, belonging and rest. See the light, share in the Holy Spirit, taste the goodness of God and inherit what has been promised. This promise is yours to ‘wear' each day.

Psalm 34:8 "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."

Wednesday: Encourage Hearts

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."

God is the great communicator and has given us such bounty to help us to see His Truth. You only have to look around to see the beauty of His creation and to feel His heart of love for us. Christ who has experienced our humanity on earth, has fully embraced our limits, fears, troubles and endless possibilities. He has conquered death in order that we could be free. In this hectic world we inhabit, we need to be encouraged over and over again of the grace of Christ, the light that goes before us to prepare the way.

Thursday: Remind Yourself

Romans 15:4 "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

Symbols have been used to express that which is inexpressible throughout the ages, and as humans we long for ways to express our feelings and emotions. I view my work on symbolism as a ministry, a teaching tool and encouragement to take internally the message of these symbols. I need to be reminded and pointed in the right direction each day. It's so easy to forget sometimes - wearing a symbol is a great way to daily remind yourself to live in hope.

Friday: Speak the Truth

Ephesians 4:22-24 "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Don't just keep this amazing message to yourself, but graciously share your new life, new heart and new attitude of your mind with those you love. By reaching out to others, we are putting on our new self, and have begun a new way of life, based on prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. My mission is to speak the truth of the Gospel, and to communicate Christ's message of hope and forgiveness. Each piece of my jewelry comes with an insert card, containing a brief description of the message to be captured, and a Scripture to point you in the right direction so you can begin your own search, and share it with others.

About the author

I believe that symbols can actually become a living language of beliefs, and that's why I have created Ashbach Designs. I received a BA in Psychology from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN in 1975. I then went on to receive a Masters in Design, with an emphasis in metalsmithing, from the University of Minnesota Design Department in 1987. Creating original jewelry designs from my home studio in St. Paul since the late 1970's, I now own and operate the Vine & Branches Gallery in St. Paul, which showcases the work of local Christian artists.

http://www.ashbachdesigns.com

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