Volume 311

This devotional can be read online at www.ccesonline.com/devotionals/

PSALM 34:3 (KJV)
O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.

The inscription engraved in my silver business card holder reads, “Success is making dreams come true. February 3, 1997.” A dear friend placed this wonderful little gift in my hands fifteen years ago on the day when I opened the doors to my own counseling practice. Indeed, that was a dream come true. But fifteen years? Is it really possible that much time has passed since Christian Counseling & Educational Services began? It seems we just celebrated our tenth anniversary!

As I reflect on these years, my heart is overwhelmed and humbled, and I am keenly aware that I do not walk this journey alone. To my family and friends who stand with me, I offer a huge word of appreciation. To the CCES Prayer Board who diligently brings our work and ministry before the Lord faithfully, I am deeply indebted and thankful. For the pastors, friends, and former clients who refer new people to us, I am sincerely grateful. To the thousands of clients who come through our doors, I am thankful for the privilege of walking with you through tough times. And to the many wonderful staff members who are and have been a part of CCES, I extend my praise and gratitude for sharing your time, energy and talents with us. Most of all, to our loving Heavenly Father who makes it all possible, I offer unending praise and adoration. I marvel at all that He has done in my life and the lives of others during these 15 years.

But looking back is never enough. Looking ahead I see great things for CCES because we serve a great God! New opportunities, expanded services, increased staff, exciting programs, and a renovated office are all in view! We’ll carry on our counseling with individuals, couples, families, and groups, as we always have. Our website will still provide abundant informative and helpful resources. In addition, we’ll continue to offer weekly Bible studies and email devotionals, educational workshops and seminars, and our annual tea. These are the things that make CCES unique and different from other counseling organizations, and we delight in doing them for the benefit of others and to the glory of God.

So celebrate with me as I echo the words of David and say, “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.” Truly He is our God and He is good!

Almighty God, truly we bless Your name and lift our praise to You in this day! Our hearts rejoice as our minds reflect on the goodness You’ve showered upon us. Thank You for Your faithfulness, love and mercy to us. May our hearts and minds be focused on You and You alone as we seek to serve You all the days of our lives.

Past Devotionals:

• To God Be the Glory (5th Anniversary)
• Celebrating Ten Years

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2012

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PSALM 143:10 (NKJV)
Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness.

Last week we talked about the little song, “God is So Good,” and I encouraged readers to share other words that fit that little tune. Thank you to all who took time to write! I had a lot of fun reading your encouraging messages and have printed below the song lyrics you sent. (Read last week’s devotional).

I’ve been singing this song all week, and as I have, verses of scripture and memories of how God worked in my life at various times came to mind. I started jotting them down and found I couldn’t write fast enough! How about you? What scriptures or memories come to mind when you think of His goodness? Keeping a record of those things becomes a wonderful tool to review when you’re feeling down or find you’re going through a rough time. It can change your whole outlook and perspective and give you joy and courage in those moments of darkness. What a powerful weapon against Satan our enemy!

Enjoy reading the messages below:

From Senam, Tema, Ghana.
God, You’re so good.
God, You’re so kind.
God You’re wonderful.
My Lord, You’re excellent

Excellent is Your name.
Excellent is Your power.
God You’re wonderful.
My Lord, You’re excellent

Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
–Psalm 73:1

From Julie, Tigard, Oregon
He is my Rock,
He is my Rock,
He is my Rock,
He’s so good to me.

He stills my soul,
He stills my soul,
He stills my soul,
He’s so good to me.

God answers prayer,
God answers prayer,
God answers prayer,
He’s so good to me.

I love you, Lord!
I love you, Lord!
I love you, Lord!
You’re so good to me.

From Phyllis, Sterling Heights, Michigan
He calls me friend;
I call him Father;
Chosen by Him,
He’s SO good to me.

I may just think on this all night’!! It’s good to think about when you can’t sleep,

From Tyrina, Burnsville, NC
When our church sings “God is so good”, we start off with Psalms 48:1-2: “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.” Then we sing the verses:
God is so good,
God is so good,
God is so good,
He’s so good to me.

He saved my soul,
He saved my soul,
He saved my soul.
He’s so good to me.

He’ll see me through,
He’ll see me through,
He’ll see me through,
He’s so good to me.

You can also sing, “He’s coming soon.”

From Jeanne, Columbus, Indiana
He loved me first,
He loved me first,
He loved me first,
He’s so good to me.

He died for me,
He died for me,
He died for me,
He’s so good to me.

From Debbie in Hampstead, MD
He makes me whole,
He makes me whole,
He makes me whole,
He’s so good to me.

He keeps me safe,
He keeps me safe,
He keeps me safe,
He’s so good to me.

He comforts me,
He comforts me,
He comforts me,
He’s so good to me.

He brings me peace,
He brings me peace,
He brings me peace,
He’s so good to me.

He warms my soul,
He warms my soul,
He warms my soul,
He’s so good to me.

And there is so much more!

From Pastor John, New Oxford, PA
I’ll praise His name,
I’ll praise His name,
I’ll praise His name,
He’s so good to me.

I’ll live for Him,
I’ll live for Him,
I’ll live for Him,
He’s so good to me.

I’ll preach His Word,
I’ll preach His Word,
I’ll preach His Word,
He’s so good to me. (Good for a pastors’ fellowship.)

I’ll give my all,
I’ll give my all,
I’ll give my all,
He’s so good to me.

Now, friends, so far as I know, all of the words above are copyright free. That means you can copy and paste them into your own song sheet to use with your study group or another fellowship, or for your own private worship time.

Have some more fun with this song by asking your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, or any group of young people other words to sing with this tune. Ask them for verses or stories that go along with their thoughts as well. They may even enjoy illustrating these thoughts and putting them in a booklet.

There truly is no end to God’s loving kindness so we could go on and on praising Him. Let the concept of His continual goodness permeate your thoughts and see just how much it lifts your spirits and improves your week. Have a blessed one!

Oh, and if you want to share the verses and stories that come to mind when you think of God’s goodness, I’d love to hear from you! Send them to annshorb@ccesonline.com.

Lord, How I thank You that Your goodness never stops! It goes anywhere and everywhere. Thank You that from coast to coast and around the world people sing of Your greatness. Help me keep that song always in my heart and on my lips, too.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2012

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Volume 311

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PSALM 106:1 (KJV)
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Recently, we started a new Bible study at the condo where I live. It’s exciting to see this new door of ministry open and to be so warmly received. In our last session, we sang the little chorus, “God is So Good.” While the words are simple, it’s a great reminder of the character and care of our Heavenly Father.

God is so good,
God is so good,
God is so good,
He’s so good to me!

He cares for me,
He cares for me,
He cares for me,
He’s so good to me!

I’ll do His will,
I’ll do His will,
I’ll do His will,
He’s so good to me!

He is my Lord,
He is my Lord,
He is my Lord,
He’s so good to me!

–Author Unknown

This would be a great song to sing every morning to set the tone for the whole day, and it would be the perfect wrap up for even the worst of days. Indeed, no matter what time of day, regardless of where we are or what comes our way, God is good. In spite of every hardship, trial or heartache, He is there to help and to secure us in those times. Moment by moment, day after day, God is so good.

After you’ve sung this little song a few times, you’ll see that it’s easy to put your own words to the tune. Short little phrases like, “He saved my soul,” or “I am His child,” fit perfectly. Try it and see what you come up with. Once you get your thoughts together, you can email to me a copy of your new words or others that you’ve heard (that aren’t copyrighted) and I’ll put them together to share with our readers. Let me know if it’s OK to publish your first name and where you live. I hope to hear from you soon!

God, You are so good! Open my eyes today to see more and more of the blessings You give me each day.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2012

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JOHN 5:1-9 (NKJV)
After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years.

When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”

The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”

Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.

In John 5:1-9 we read the exciting story of the lame man who sat by the Pool of Bethesda hoping to be healed by being the first to enter the pool after the angel stirred the waters. When Jesus arrived on the scene He asked the lame man a simple but profound question, “Do you want to get well?”

Why would Christ ask such an obvious question? He could see the man had been in that condition for many years. Thirty eight to be exact. Did the man really want to find healing or was he just there so he could say he was trying? Knowing that being whole would change every area of his life, could it be that he was comfortable staying the way he was simply because it was all he had known?

Each of us has certain areas of our life that need God’s healing touch. These are the things that hinder our spiritual growth and keep us from living in the freedom Christ longs to give us. The question is, do we really want to be well or do we want to hold on to the old habits or attitudes that cripple us? Is it possible that the security of functioning in old and familiar ways keeps us hanging on to sinful and unproductive behaviors and attitudes? In order to get well, you and I must answer the question, “Do you want to get well?”

The lame man in the story told Jesus that He wanted to take action but he realized that he was helpless on his own. He also knew no one was there who could do the work of getting him to the place of healing. In His mercy Christ did what the man could not do for himself. Jesus said, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” Immediately the man was healed.

God probably won’t choose to heal you immediately, but be assured that if you depend on Him to help you do what you can’t do for yourself, the victory can be yours! You can find freedom from things that now hold you in bondage. You can be whole.

Heavenly Father, help me to break free from habits and attitudes that hold me back from finding complete wholeness and wellness in You. Let me throw off the doubts, fears, complacency, complaining, and compromise that prevent me from walking in the freedom of Your Spirit.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2011

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

MATTHEW 2:11 (KJV)
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

PSALM 95:6-7 (KJV)
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

One of my favorite parts of the Christmas season is the sound of Christmas carols! I love them all, but this year there was one that I just couldn’t get out of my head. Over and over again I heard, “O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.” Even now that Christmas is behind us, I still hear those words repeatedly.

John Francis Wade wrote this lovely melody in the 1740s. The words were originally written in Latin, but were translated into English by Frederick Oakeley in the 1800’s. Although this carol has been sung for over 250 years, it still calls you and me today to gaze upon the beauty and majesty of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to adore Him as our Savior, Lord and King. Take a minute to read through the words and let them sink in.

 Oh Come, All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation!
O Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God,
All glory in the highest;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory given;
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

As we end another year, rather than focus on the sorrow, pain, and regrets we experienced, let us focus on the Lord Jesus Christ and the blessings He bestowed on us. Try to find some quiet time to meditate on Christ’s love and grace, His goodness and mercy, His power and majesty. It is only as we adore and rest in Him that we will find true peace and joy so that we’re ready to start a new year.

Lord Jesus, words cannot describe the awe and wonder we experience when we gaze upon You. Truly we adore You for all You are and all You have given us.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2011

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MATTHEW 11:28-30 (KJV)
Come unto me, all ye who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

It’s just a week until Christmas! Everyone is scurrying around decorating, shopping, baking, traveling. There’s so much to be done; so little time to do it. Just yesterday someone said to me, “I always intend to start earlier so this doesn’t happen, but it seems I’m even too busy then to get a head start on Christmas!”

“Too busy.” It’s the plague of the American society. We rush and hurry, bustle and scurry and life feels like nothing more than a treadmill of getting things done. Sadly we find that our list of things to do is never any shorter.

Have you ever thought about the fact that the very Christ who created time actually stepped into it when He took on human flesh and was born on earth? Truly His life is an example of how to use time wisely and well. Never once do we see Him in a hurry. There’s absolutely no record of Him rushing around. He was never late, although it may have appeared that way to others. His timing was always just right because He walked each moment in the will of the Father and in the power of the Spirit. What an example!

The amazing thing to me is that through His Word and His Spirit, Christ makes it possible for me to live in the same manner. When I do get weary and I feel burned out, He graciously says, “Come unto me and I will give you rest.”

In the busyness of this Christmas season, I encourage you to deliberately find some time to spend alone with the Savior. Clear your mind, read His Word, and meditate on what it says to you. Allow His Spirit to calm your soul, refresh your spirit, and find His rest. And then as you start the new year, make it a habit to follow His example so the words “too busy” no longer rule your life.

God of Glory, thank You for sending Christ to be my Savior and also my example. Let me learn from Him how to live each day walking in Your will and in the power of Your Spirit.

By Ann Shorb

©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2011,
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.

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PSALM 9:2 (KJV)
I will be glad and rejoice in Thee: I will sing praise to Thy name, O Thou most High.

Katherine Rose arrived just a few days before Thanksgiving—my fifth grandchild. What a joy it has been to be here with my daughter and her family to share in these first days of little Katherine’s life. She’s so tiny, so delicate, and so precious. It’s exciting to watch her older brother and sisters delight in her, to see her mother and dad’s joy and pride, and to welcome this child to our family.

Nothing brings joy to a family like the birth of a baby! Each new life provides not only happiness for the present, but hope for the future and for all that child will become in the years ahead. Thoughts, plans and dreams swirl through the minds of family and friends even before that baby arrives as we think of what he/she will be like. Each one is unique. Each one is special.

The Bible tells us that when a spiritual birth takes place, it’s no different. When someone comes to Christ, the angels in Heaven rejoice (Luke 15:10). Knowing how thrilled we are to have a new addition to our physical family, I can’t even imagine what the celebration in Heaven must be like when a soul is saved. Although it has occurred millions of times through the ages, each time a person is born into God’s family, Heaven rejoices because each soul is precious and each is unique in the eyes of the Father. How exciting to know that God never gets tired of welcoming people into His family and Heaven never gets weary of rejoicing!

Heavenly Father, You are the giver of all life, both physical and spiritual. Please accept our thanks for the gift of Katherine Rose. We truly rejoice because of Your gracious kindness.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2011

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.

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PSALM 103:11-12 (NKJV)
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Today I’m heading west to see my daughter and son-in-law and their family! I live in the east coast region of the U.S. and they live in the mid-west. When I reach my destination, I’ll stop; however, if I kept traveling west, I’d eventually wind up back home in the east because there is no point where west ends and east begins. It’s not that way with north and south. If I journey north, eventually I’ll come to the North Pole and from there I’ll go south, no matter which way I move–that is, until I reach the South Pole and from there I’ll travel north again. North and south actually have starting and stopping points.

It’s interesting, isn’t it, that God didn’t say He removed our sins as far as the north is from the south? That distance can be measured in miles and in time, and there is a definite point where that occurs. Instead, our loving Heavenly Father said that He placed our sins as far away as the east is from the west. That can never be measured! So if I try to find my sins, I just keep going in circles, like a dog chasing his tail. I’ll never be able to grab them again. By His grace, they are gone. Simply gone!

While the consequences of my transgressions linger, the penalty, the guilt, and the shame no longer have to haunt and torment me. I am free to live in the luxurious grace of the King of Kings who pardons and even sanctifies me when I turn from my sin, accept His mercy, and seek His face. How much better if I never sinned in the first place, but what a comfort to know that when I fail, I can turn to Him in humility and genuine repentance, and He will cast those sins away as far as the east is from the west. Praise God, that’s forgiveness! That’s freedom! That’s God’s marvelous mercy!

Thank You, Lord, for the fabulous gift of forgiveness and mercy that flows from Your love.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2011,

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

2 CORINTHIANS 4:15 (NKJV)
For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians chapter 4 is a strange place to find place to find a Thanksgiving list of blessings, but it’s there. The entire passage is about hardships and suffering, yet Paul writes of God’s sustaining grace in each situation:

We are pressured, yet not crushed;
We are perplexed, but not in despair;
We are persecuted, but not forsaken;
We are struck down, but not destroyed.

Paul didn’t make his list of blessings based on what a wonderful time he was experiencing. Instead He focused on his suffering and the fact that in every difficult and dangerous situation, God was there. Truly, He comforted and protected His servants. Paul’s blessing was in knowing that God would see him through all of life’s afflictions and hardships and for that he was thankful.

Paul wasn’t alone in giving thanks to the Lord in these difficult circumstances. Many other believers suffered with him, yet God’s grace was showered on them all. In turn, they abundantly praised and thanked the Lord that His grace was sufficient for every situation and their words thanksgiving glorified Him.

Scripture tells us that we were created to glorify God (Isaiah 43:7). So, if we truly want to fulfill our purpose, we can follow the example of Paul and his fellow believers and continually thank God in the good times and in the bad. It is in those difficult moments that we see and know
God’s grace like never before. Let us glorify Him by giving thanks in all things and for all things.

Gracious Lord, the blessings You shower upon us each day are innumerable! How we thank You and praise You for Your constant presence with us, for Your caring provision of our needs, and You continual protection. We bless You and we praise Your name!

By Ann Shorb

©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2011,
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.

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I CORINTHIANS 15:51-53 (NKJV)
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! Loud and long the buzzer sounded early Tuesday morning. Being new to this building, I wasn’t exactly sure what it was so I poked my head into the hallway and saw the flashing lights of the fire alarm.

“The building’s on fire!” I thought. I knew I needed to exit but, not wanting to appear in public in my p.j.s, I jumped into the slacks and sweater I dropped in the dirty clothes basket the night before. I threw on my coat, grabbed my Bible from the table, and in one swoop picked up my keys, purse and cell phone. I had the essentials. What else should I take with me? “No time! Just get out of the building,” I thought.

Thankfully there was no fire. It seems the men working on the heating system accidently tripped the fire alarm, sending all the residents into a panic. In a matter of minutes, we returned to our homes with a sigh of relief and grateful hearts, but it made me think.

Overall, I left my condo quickly once I heard the fire alarm, but not instantly. One day Christ will return and in the twinkling of an eye–an instant– we will be caught up in the air to be with Him. There won’t be time to slip on some righteousness as I prepare to meet my God. No time to hide His Word in my heart or say another prayer. Not a moment to reach out to a soul in despair and bring him along.

Although it was an early morning inconvenience (and those of you who know me know that I consider most things inconvenient in the morning!), I’m thankful for the fire alarm mishap. It reminded me of how quickly Christ will come and how suddenly my time will be up. If I truly want to be ready for that moment, I have to prepare ahead of time. I can’t wait until the last minute to make things right and fulfill God’s purpose for my life. I have to make intentional choices and take deliberate action right now. Today is the day. Now is the time.

Father in Heaven, help me to live always preparing for the moment when I hear Your trumpet sound and I rise to be with You.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2011,

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.

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