Author: amylinnea

The Witness of God

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8

Are you living in the authority of one whom God has saved?

Are you remembering God’s promises, pointing your very existence to Him?

Are you seeking God’s face for the souls of your family?

Are you asking God to show you how you should serve Him today?

Our eternal salvation is for later.

When we’re standing at the judgement seat of God.

But Jesus saved us for today.

He saved us to be His witness.

He chose us to spread His good news.

He uses us to be His hands and feet to those we meet.

Yes, God died to save us from our sins.

For eternal life praising His name.

But He also saved us from ourselves for today.

Today and tomorrow.

For the world.

The world needs to see your salvation and what that looks like.

Reasons why they should follow you to God.

You are a witness of Almighty God.

Walk in His power.

Stand in His faithfulness.

And show the world just how amazing He is today.

Photos by Silvestri Matteo on Unsplash

Jesus Loves Me Still

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:12

Jesus loves me, this I know.

For the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong,

They are weak, but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me;

For the Bible tells me so.

All of us remember that song well, yes?

One of the first songs we learn as children.

It’s so profound as the basis for our literal existence here on earth.

Jesus actually loves us.

The Creater of the universe, who gave Himself for us on the cross, loves us.

Knows us.

Chooses us.

And I know this, because the Bible, God’s breathed living Word, tells me so.

There are so many places in the Bible that share God’s love for us.

Little ones to Him belong.

We belong to God!

We are God’s sons and daughters, inheriting His kingdom, living under His love and authority.

And we are so weak, but You, Jesus are our strength!

Jesus, thank You for Your love, that fills us up when we are empty.

Thank You for dying on the cross for our sins.

Thank You for setting us free from our worldly cares.

Thank You for being near to us each and every moment.

You are here with us whenever we call out to You.

And when we are silent, You are still there.

Your faithfulness astounds us.

Jesus loves me, this I know.

Do you?

Photos by Fadi Xd , Jon Tyson, &  Jez Timms on Unsplash

Our Smelly Stuff

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29

Ever wonder why God takes it?

Our smelly stuff or sin, whatever you want to call it?

I bring it up, because it’s not His.

None of our smelly sin is His.

Never was, never will be.

Why does He choose to take it?

He is holy.

Pure.

Undefiled.

Author of all things.

Literally the Most High.

And yet He wants us.

Not only us, but our stuff.

Our messy lives.

Our problems.

Our very messed up selves.

He wants our unloving attitudes towards children who selfishly taunt us.

He wants our broken hearts, which yearn for uncomplicated stories.

He wants our problems, dripping with unforgiveness.

He wants all of us.

God, who is pure and void of any sin, wants us.

Unbelievable.

If you remember the Old Testament, there was attonment for sin.

God had rules.

But with Jesus, the transaction was paid.

And with that, God continues our relationship with Him.

Because He loves us.

He created us for love.

For relationship with Him.

I find it incredible that God, who is completely pure and undefiled, wants a relationship with us.

We, who bring complicated and messy problems to Him, are wanted by God.

So, the question that remains is this:

Do you want Him?

Because He wants you.

All of you.

And all of your smelly stuff, too.

Photos by Marian Kroell & Hans Isaacson on Unsplash

Sovereign Over All

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways! Romans 11:33

God, You are sovereign.

Sovereign over all.

You are the Creator of all things.

The Author of all life.

All of our lives filter through Your hands.

Every little piece.

The happy times.

The gut-wrenching moments.

All of us filters through You.

Because You are sovereign over all things.

We wonder why You allow suffering.

Why you allow our lives to fall to pieces.

Why our prayers seem to fall on deaf ears.

Why our tears seem to make no difference.

But underneath it all, You are sovereign.

You never leave us, nor are we absent from Your thoughts.

Within the pit of despair, we must remember You.

If we don’t, we will fall prey to self-pity, overcoming our reason with faulty feelings.

Satan would like nothing better then to silence us.

To silence God when we find ourselves within the pit.

Do you want Satan to grasp even a tiny bit of triumph on your behalf?

You don’t, but he does when you fail to remember God within the pit.

When your mind fills with rejection or despair, Satan wins.

He wins because he causes you to become stuck.

Stuck because you are without the remembrance of God’s ultimate power.

His sovereignty.

Our world is broken and God has a redemption plan.

Jesus came to save us from ourselves.

To redeem our souls for eternity.

But as we remain here on earth, we must remember Him.

We must shine our light for God as He redeems our lives while here on earth.

It’s so hard when in the pit, to stop and remember Him.

But that’s what makes us different from the world.

What sets us apart.

When the world breaks us, as it will in degrees to us all, we will be different.

We will, with God’s help, shine as a light for Him, bringing others to Himself.

Your God loves you.

He craves you.

He’s never going to leave you.

Bring all of it to His feet.

Allow Him to scoop you up into His arms.

He will soothe every hurt.

Wipe every tear.

And walk along side you down the path He has for you.

Because He is sovereign over all.

He is here.

He loves you and He’s got you.

Shine brightly through your broken life to others.

Show the world the love of God.

Your choice to choose God when faced with the brokenness of this world.

And your witness will transform the world.

Photos by Josh Boot , Dave Hoefler,  Sandra Seitamaa, & Kawin Harasai on Unsplash

Your Keeper

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. (verse 5-6)

Webster defines “keeper” as one who keeps, such as a protector.

Protection from harm, yet also one who helps things to keep growing.

God protects us, keeping us safely shaded and secure.

Because God protects us, He will keep us from harm.

Neither the day or night will harm us.

The world may hurt, but within God’s protection, we can stay in His peace.

The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. (verse 7)

God is our barrier between good and evil.

When we purpose to stay under His protection, we are covered by Himself.

Evil cannot survive in the presence of God.

And when you choose to become a child of the Most High, evil flees.

Yes, it can tempt us back, and rest assured it will constantly try.

Satan, the father of lies, will tempt you with evil thoughts, feelings, desires, and lies.

Constantly, I guarantee you.

But when you lift up your eyes to God, asking Him to fill you with Himself, evil cannot stay.

Evil can only stay when you provide permission.

And when you give evil permission, you remove yourself from God’s promises.

From God’s protection.

When you choose God, verse 7 reminds us God will keep us from all evil.

But only if you choose Him.

The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. (verse 8)

When you choose God, He covers our activities with Himself.

Your going and your coming.

He is there through it all.

If you choose Him.

There really is no choice, is there.

Photos by Kent Pilcher on Unsplash

Secure Feet

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:3-4

Remember the beginning?

The psalm starts by intentionally looking to God for help, acknowledging that our help comes from God, the Creator of all things.

And as we recognize our weakness, we know God will help us.

Why?

Because He made all things.

Even us.

Verse 3 goes on to describe His help.

God’s protection is secure.

Within Him, even your foot will stay still.

You will not fall down with God’s help.

When you ask Him to work through you, His purposes are fulfilled through you.

He will keep you within Him.

Safe.

Solid.

Secure.

But it gets better.

God does not sleep.

He’s always awake, helping us, protecting us, keeping us secure.

There will never be a time when God is not willing to help you.

Never a time when He won’t be with you.

The Lord keeps us.

Is there anything special you keep safe and secure?

That’s how God feels about us.

He keeps us safe within Him.

We may face unimaginable trials in this life, but we can rest assured God is always with us, keeping us with Him.

In the dead of night, God is there for you.

In the pit of despair, He’s there, too.

Whether on the first day of school or the last,

When new life arrives or goes,

When relationships flourish or suffer,

When wearing masks or not,

God is always present, even wanting to help you.

Reach out to Him.

Empty yourself of you, asking God to help you with absolutely everything.

We can do nothing without Him.

But with Him, we can do anything He asks of us.

God, who never sleeps, keeps us close.

And with Him helping you, your feet will stay securely planted just where He wants them.

Photos by Michał Parzuchowski, Brina Blum, & Bruno Nascimento on Unsplash

Our Highest Help

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

I will lift up mine eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

Need help?

I know, we all do with anything and everything.

This life presents challenges which come and go, both internally and externally.

We need help with our jobs, family relationships, and extra commitments we join.

We need help with our minds to focus on what God wants us to do.

We need help to purpose our hearts, aligning them to God’s.

We need help to follow through with God’s purposes for our temporary lives.

We need help to filter through all of the world’s noise, attempting to constantly distract us.

We sometimes even need help to simply place one foot in front of the other.

The psalmist begins by deliberately choosing to lift his eyes to the hills.

Deciding to ask for God’s help is first, realizing we cannot perform our best apart from God.

We remind ourselves we cannot do things on our own.

We must ask for help.

We then declare our help comes from God.

Finally, we declare God’s power to help as we affirm Him Creator of all things.

Who better then the Creator of all things to help us with our small needs?

God created us.

God created our desires.

And He created us to need Him.

Only with a relationship with God will you become fulfilled in this life.

When the many needs press you for a solution, remember to raise your eyes to heaven.

God is always ready and willing to help you.

All you have to do is ask.

Ask Him to fill you up with Himself.

Then keep your peace, knowing the Creator of heaven and earth will give you everything you need.

Lift your eyes to God, asking Him to work through you.

And He will, every single time.

Photos by Hans Isaacson on Unsplash

Hurled Upon

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. 2 Samuel 22:17-18

Insults, heard or implied.

Words that bring death.

When sitting near these toxic fumes, there’s not much we can do.

Especially when directed towards us.

They can explode out of nowhere.

Suddenly covering you with filth.

Covering you with filth you believe.

Covering you with lies you begin to agree with.

All from insults hurled towards you.

Like an arrow piercing your soul, words can carry death.

While they can carry death, the arrows don’t have to deliver death to you.

It’s your choice to accept the lies or not.

Your choice to keep the painful arrow stuck where it hit.

What is your other choice?

To yank it out, immediately forgiving the sender.

Impossible in your own strength.

Literally.

But that’s where God comes in for you.

When you ask God to cover you with His feathers, He will protect you.

Literally, He will.

Emotionally, and spiritually, He will cover you.

Protected by God, arrows will still come.

They will be hurled at you with frightening speed.

But – by choosing to ask God to keep you whole, you won’t absorb the arrow’s poison.

Sure, it will try to pierce your soul, spreading it’s toxic substance.

And until you are trained to immediately refuse with God’s help, it could hurt.

Even for awhile.

But every time you yank out the arrow, God’s peace will dispel the poison.

Even heal your wound.

But you must ask Him every single time.

And as you retrain your reactions to insults, God’s feathers will become stronger.

So strong, the arrows will fall away as they bump you.

Who are you going to believe?

An insulting arrow filled with someone’s jealousy, selfishness, or evil intention all filled with lies?

Or who God says that you are to Him?

Choose to remember Whose you are.

Choose to remember Who your Father is.

The One who desires to protect you from everything evil.

Humble yourself, and ask Him to protect you.

Protect your mind, body, soul, and spirit from anything not from Him.

Apart from God, we can do nothing, especially avoiding arrows filled with poison.

Psalm 121:7-8 reminds us that God will keep us from all evil.

He will even keep our lives.

Safe.

Secure.

Even more – He will keep our going out AND our coming back now and forever.

There’s nothing more we could possibly need.

Hurl away, people.

We’re ready.

Photos by Laura Crowe. Lindsey Duce, Gioele Fazzeri, & Denise Johnson on Unsplash

Nothing New Under the Sun

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9

When Solomon declares this, I find encouragement.

My problems are not new.

My multitude of traumatic events are not new.

Masks will come and go.

Death and life will arrive and cease.

Full of themselves teenagers will grow and leave.

The school year will begin and end.

The burnt dinner smell will even leave.

Thankfully.

It’s what we do in the middle that counts.

In the middle of the storm.

In the midst of heartache.

How do you cope?

What fills you back up?

The world offers many options, which all pale in comparison to Jesus.

Jesus fills you with His peace while waiting for the storm to end.

Jesus wipes away your tears as you cry again for a child.

And He protects you when you are battling a mighty storm.

Because Jesus is stronger.

Mighter.

He is Almighty God.

Allow Him to help you.

Allow Him to guide you.

And allow Him to show you your next step forward.

Because to Jesus, there is absolutely nothing new under the sun.

Photos by Bonnie Kittle,  Aaron Burden, & Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

Re-Focus

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

When all the noise is stripped away, what is your focus?

In the dark of night, what grips your soul?

Worry?

Dread?

Fear?

Or Jesus?

In this world, we will have trials.

But Jesus.

In this world, we will struggle.

But Jesus.

In this world, pain will come and go.

But Jesus.

Jesus has overcome the world and everything in it.

All our trials, struggles, and pain are piled at the foot of the cross.

What has removed your focus from Jesus?

Family?

Job?

Our country?

Jesus knows the beginning from the end.

What better to focus on then the author of all life?

Look at your mountain.

Now look again through Jesus.

Looks manageable now, doesn’t it?

Trials are real, but Jesus is bigger.

Struggles are exhausting, but Jesus is bigger.

Pain can be excruciating, but Jesus is bigger.

But Jesus.

Jesus is over, under, and beside all things.

All of the trials, struggles, and pain.

Refocus on Jesus, purposing only to trust Him with everything.

Your past, present and future.

Photos by Brady Stoeltzing, Michail Dementiev, Matteo Grando,  Kyle Johnson, & Tim Bogdanov on Unsplash

Rest in God

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Psalm 62:1

blake-meyer-336619-unsplash

Summers are for rest.

At least for teachers.

We plan summer projects and accomplish home things, but we are in rest mode.

We become like old farmers, driving the truck on a country road.

Not in a hurry.

Or like old Southerners, shooting the breeze on the porch of an old store, chatting with anyone and everyone.

Why?

Because we can.

Do you have periods of rest?

Days or seasons when you can even forget what day it is?

Yes, it’s important to accomplish things when you have more time to spare.

But don’t forget to simply be.

Allow your mind to rest as well.

Disconnect from social media, emails, and the news.

Close the door to all the noise.

And rest.

Unfortunately, my summer has ended.

The rush has returned.

But even so, take time to rest.

Fill yourself up with God and His peace.

And take the time to rest.

Photo by Blake Meyer on Unsplash

Opinions That Matter

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

For He strengthens the bars of your gates; He blesses your children within you. He makes peace in your borders. Psalm 147:13-14

There is no way every one will like you.

All of the time.

People won’t always agree with you.

They won’t always like you.

I happen to abhor when people dislike me.

Personality flaw, I know.

Why do we tend to care what others think of us?

Why do we desperately crave their approval?

Because we were created for love.

God’s love.

And because we live in a broken world, God is separated from us.

Newsflash: we no longer abide with God in the Garden of Eden.

Shocking, I know.

But that’s how we were created.

God created us for relationship with Him, fully loved and valued by HIm.

Yes, God created us to make our own choices, but He also wanted friendship with us.

Friendship with us!

Living in our broken world, it’s so easy to forget the reason for our existence.

As Christians, we must choose to savor God’s opinion of us over the fleeting opinions of others.

And God loves you.

Wholly.

Completely.

Securely.

There’s not anything you can do to earn God’s endless love for you.

Nothing you can do to avoid it, either.

It’s constantly around you.

Not judging you, just complete acceptance.

Doesn’t God’s opinion of you sound a whole lot better then others?

Ask God to revel Himself to you in a new way.

Ask Him to show you how much you mean to Him.

Place your trust in Him, while removing your trust in others.

Remember His faithfulness to you.

Stand tall, straighten your crown, and believe God absolutely cherishes you.

And that’s all that matters.

Photos by Annie Spratt & Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Other’s Opinions

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He.” Isaiah 43:10

Why do we allow others to steal from us?

We allow others to step into our minds, stealing one of the most valuable items we own.

Our peace.

Which affects our security.

And our sense of being valued.

Securely loved.

Just for being us.

When we allow someone to take away our peace, we are choosing to believe their small opinion of us instead of God’s.

I’m not in any way referring to ill behavior on our part, justifying their words.

Normal, everyday annoyances.

Spouse not thinking of you first.

Or at all while they get coffee for themselves.

Or choose the agenda not asking for your input.

Children, who fly into anger at the drop of a hat, blaming you for their problems.

Neighbors who voice displeasure over your landscaping choice.

Bosses who praise the next person, passing over you most times.

Drivers who have zero consideration for your pressing need to merge.

Restaurants with distasteful food you still must pay for.

Everyday things.

Why do we allow little things to bore into our very souls, determining our moods?

We take those opinions, which are dependent upon the other person’s sour moods, as truth.

We accept them as truth over God’s.

Over what you know to be the absolute truth.

That you are loved.

Secure.

Precious in the sight of God.

Never alone.

Always covered.

Safe.

The next time you are tempted to agree with someone’s poor mood towards you, stop.

Brush it off.

And declare “none of this moves me“.

Perfect.

Photos by Timothy Eberly,  Gabriel Jimenez, & Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Crashing Down

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 116:9

When the world comes crashing down, just give me Jesus.

When loved ones fall away from you, just give me Jesus.

When family fails to value you, just give me Jesus.

When you feel utterly alone, just give me Jesus.

When you are crying and no one hears, Jesus does.

He hears you and His heart breaks for you.

Jesus is everything.

He fills in the empty spaces others should fill.

He sits with you when others neglect to listen.

He understands your pain when no one seems to care.

He holds your hand when your pain is unbearable.

When no one else sees it, He does.

He sees you and He cares.

Jesus is the only one with whom we can fully rely.

He will never disappoint.

Never fail you.

Never leave you all by yourself.

When the world falls away, just give me Jesus.

Photos by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Fret Not Your Pretty Head

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. Psalm 37:8

Jesus never fretted.

He knew He was completely loved by His father.

Accepted.

Cherished.

Why do we fret?

Yes, because we hold onto things, not giving them to Jesus.

But why do we hold onto things?

Is it because we do not believe God truly will take care of us?

Or that He loves us unconditionally?

Or that we are His beloved?

Jesus was fully human, so his temptation to fret and worry was real.

Like it is for us.

But He knew His father would always be there for Him.

He knew.

Suffering on the cross was the only time Jesus was separate from His Father’s presence.

So, that leads me back to us.

Sinful humans who stubbornly hold onto life’s woes when we know it drags us down.

We must continually make a conscience choice to obey.

To obey God when He says to fret not.

Command your mind to obey.

Tell your flesh to back off.

Purpose your mind on the promises of God.

Test them.

Remember His faithfulness.

And every time your worry rises up again, picture it as an ugly weed.

And yank that thing out.

Photos by Colter Olmstead, Shabnam Bakhshaliyeva, & Emily Wade on Unsplash

July 2, 1776

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.

You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. — I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. — Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not. John Adams’ letter to Abigail Adams, July 2, 1776

Before America’s birth, John Adams predicted we would celebrate America’s independence.

Her birthday.

Fireworks, games, and parades.

From Maine to California.

Celebrating our Day of Deliverance by our solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.

He knew it will be hard.

Birthing our country.

Separating ourselves from England’s tyranny.

Untold toil, blood, and treasure to spend.

But with those solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty, he saw the End is more than worth all the Means.

He saw our country free, celebrating our freedom every year for generations.

America was birthed almost 250 years ago.

We’ve never been perfect, but we’ve tried to do our best.

We fought against ourselves for the end of slavery.

We’ve produced unending talent easing our modern selves with food, industry, and entertainment.

We’ve fought to protect innocent lives around the globe.

America’s story is a beacon of hope for the world.

More than merely a nation fighting for independence so many years ago.

America stands for freedom.

Freedom to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.

Freedom to say what we want.

Freedom to defend ourselves.

With hard work, we have endless opportunities in this great land of ours.

However…

Only with God’s sovereign help will even keep our country alive.

As our country was founded on the foundation of God, we must fight to keep Him firmly planted within our laws, actions, and words.

As the Israelites saw God’s provision, they would eventually forget, walking away from God.

Repeatedly, they would follow God, living within His blessings and protection.

And a few generations later, they would forget, falling down to worship false gods out of God’s protection.

As our country has systematically removed God from many avenues, may we repent for our actions.

May we seek God’s direction for our nation.

May we remind ourselves and our children how blessed we are to live in America.

And may we rise up as leaders to protect and defend our nation under God.

Photos by specphotops,  Luca R, Samuel Branch, Trent Yarnell, NASA, & Luke Stackpoole on Unsplash

John Adams letter: https://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/archive/doc?id=L17760703jasecond

Living with a Purpose

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

I will walk with integrity of heart within my house.

How does one walk with integrity of heart in his house?

And is the Psalmist speaking of his actual house or inside his very self?

Walking with integrity within yourself means aligning yourself to God.

Asking Him to fill you up with Himself.

His very wisdom and power.

And choosing to keep doing that, looking away from evil.

I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.

How does one not look upon worthless things?

Things not worthy of God?

Maybe God wants us to concentrate on Him, not worldly cares.

We should only purpose to look upon or seek out what He wants us to do.

See what He wants us to see.

Notice what He wants us to notice.

I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.

How do we hate the work of those who fall away, not allowing it to cling to us?

When people fall away from God, they tend to spread poison.

Words.

Accusation.

Fear.

They fall away for a reason.

Don’t cling to that.

Don’t accept it or allow any of it to cling to you.

Fling all of it off, pursuing God’s truth instead.

Pursuing the truth you know is God’s.

A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil. Psalm 101:2-4

How do we keep our heart from being perverse?

By concentrating on God’s sovereignty.

His purpose for us.

His identify for us chosen before we were born.

Align yourself to God’s heart and your heart will be far from perverse.

As the Psalmist ends, they purpose to know nothing of evil.

Nothing.

Evil creeps in every moment of every day.

Are you purposing to know nothing of evil?

We all say so, but do we actually mean to?

Believing lies in your head is evil.

Refusing to believe how loved you are by God is evil as you call God a liar when you declare yourself unlovable by Him.

Creating space between yourself and God, wanting your own way is evil.

Selfish.

Purpose to know nothing of evil.

I’m going to try my hardest.

You?

Photos by Jonathan Cooper on Unsplash & https://unsplash.com/@inchristalone

Friendship with God

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

“The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net.” Psalm 25:14-15

God, who created ALL things, wants to be my friend when I place my trust with Him.

When I declare He is my God, He becomes my confidante.

When I decide to live how He wants me to be, He becomes my personal companion.

Someone who listens when I’m lonely.

Who watches me through the night.

Who longs to hear my voice.

Who wants to know all about it.

Every day.

Additionally, God will make known to you His covenant.

His unbreakable connection with you.

Forever.

Forever and always, God promises to be by your side as you fear Him.

May our eyes ever be towards the Lord, as the psalmist says.

As we continue to trust God for our everything, He will rescue us.

Our tangled ugly mess will become pretty as He plucks our feet out of the net.

I don’t know about you, but I regularly need God to rescue me.

Usually from me, myself, and I.

Our sinful selves rise up, don’t they, demanding we place our needs above all else.

May we continue to fear the Lord.

May we listen to the instruction He gives.

May our souls dwell within His peace.

May God’s friendship walk with us all of our days.

May we truly understand our incredible covenant with God.

May our eyes be ever focused towards the Lord.

And may He continue to rescue us from not only others, but ourselves, too.

Photos by chris liu on Unsplash

Abiding in Him

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. Psalm 25:13

Remember last week?

We talked about fearing the Lord.

And when we do that, God instructs us in His best way for us.

The psalm continues this week as we note your soul abides in peace or well-being when you fear the Lord, trusting only in Him.

As a return for your loyalty, God brings you His peace.

Choosing God, your pitiful soul becomes full of God’s peace.

Filled to the top with God’s calm.

His protection.

Resting within His peace.

Not only that, but the psalmist also declares your offspring will prosper.

Godly moms and dads who surrender their households to the ways of God will not only have peace in the now but will influence their children to live for God.

God will be with you when you place Him first, spreading His ways to the next generation.

In this life, people do almost anything for peace in their cluttered lives.

You’re telling me that all I have to do for real peace is to live in fear of the Lord?

Yep.

Dethroning yourself daily and placing God on the throne of your heart will bring you peace.

Not only momentary peace, but you will abide in His peace.

Abide means to dwell.

I, for one, would like to dwell within the perfect peace of Almighty God.

You?

Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

Fearing the Lord

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will He instruct in the way that He should choose. Psalm 25:12

Are you someone who fears the Lord?

Fearing the Lord is not cowering in the type of fear we think of first.

It’s honor.

Respect.

Submitting to the One who created all things.

Putting God first and foremost in all things.

Knowing how small you are in comparison to all of creation, eternity, and God Himself.

I know we cannot always put God first, but you can think about Him and what He would want you to do.

With even tiny things like your response to literally anything.

Thinking about what God would want you to do brings security knowing you are under the shadow of His wings.

In return for placing God on the throne of your life, He promises to instruct you in the way He chooses.

And God chooses the best for you.

How do we know that?

Because Romans 8:28 reminds us that “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose“.

Walking with God, submitting to Him, brings us to God’s purpose for us.

And that is good.

Maybe your life has been affected by other’s poor choices.

And maybe you bear the brunt of that.

Remain under God’s instruction as He works everything out for good.

Through trials of your choosing or not, choose to remain God’s.

Confident He will work everything out for your good, because you love Him.

Photos by BRUNO EMMANUELLE on Unsplash

Inferiority

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1

When you feel inferior from the words of another, that’s all you.

Only you can allow those words to turn into feelings of inferiority, confirming the lies previously placed from a different time.

If instead, words are said and you shrug them off, inferiority is not bred.

Doesn’t take root, growing into believing you are not valued.

Measure words from others against God’s truth.

Against what you know to be the absolute truth.

Seeking approval of others gets in the way.

Succumbing to the training you’ve had for your entire life is natural.

It takes work not to go there, giving validity to needing approval to feel worthy.

Takes purpose to change your thinking.

There’s no reason to feel inferior to anyone else.

When you match your royal status as God’s chosen, absolutely nothing compares.

Decide today to remain His in your body, mind and spirit.

Remain His as you refuse to feel inferior.

Stand back up and straighten your crown.

After all, it looks better that way.

Photos by iam_os, Jonas Elia, Мария Волк, & wildan alfani on Unsplash

Valued

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

O Lord, You have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar. you search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. Psalm 139:1-4

Repeat after me.

I am loved.

I am safe.

I am valued.

Again.

I am loved.

I am safe.

I am valued.

Do you believe it?

You should.

God, who created you perfectly, loves you.

God, who stands as the ultimate protector of you, keeps you within His wings.

He protects you against the onslaught of the enemy, if you’ll allow Him to.

In order to allow God’s protection, you must trust Him.

You must ignore the lies, negating your value.

Your worth.

That you are loved.

God values you because He created you in His image.

He doesn’t make mistakes.

And His first mistake will not be and was not you.

You are loved.

You are safe.

You are valued.

Believe it and trust that God will order your steps according to His will, if you submit to Him.

He will bring others into your life for you to bless.

He will also bring others into your life to bless your socks off.

And He will perfect your ways as only He can.

Allow Him access to all of you.

Your thoughts.

Your desires.

Your choices.

As you submit to God, you will be filled with the peace of God which passes all understanding.

You will feel the love of God.

You will know you are safe.

And you will begin to see your value.

But only if you submit to God.

What are you possibly waiting for?

Self?

You will not, I promise, save yourself.

If you live for yourself, you will constantly be not only disappointed, but live in absolute misery.

Because life will disappoint.

Royally.

People will disappoint you to the point of rejection.

But God never will.

Choose God first.

Choose God first and you will forever live under His love, safety, and value.

There really is no choice.

Photos by Kate Hliznitsova, Catherine, Tyler Nix, & Hush Naidoo on Unsplash

Loving Your Spouse

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:3-4

Communication is fundamental to any relationship.

Not only communicating, but listening to the other person.

Really listening.

Not half listening while also paying attention to your phone.

Not listening just to let them vent, then forgetting all of it and moving on.

Real communication is when two people come to an understanding that things need to and must change.

One voices a need.

The other listens and tries their best to understand that need.

While talking and listening are definitely important, the next step is the most.

Changing.

Actually doing the thing talked about.

That’s when your spouse knows you were actually listening.

And not nodding just to keep the other content with listening.

Action speaks louder than words.

Don’t just tell your spouse you love them, show them.

Don’t just nod your head in agreement, do the thing you agreed upon.

Don’t just give lip service to undone promises, actually do them.

Show your love in a big way.

A noticing way.

A personal way.

You know what to do.

Aren’t they more than worth it?

I know two people who have recently both lost their own precious spouse to heaven.

They’d admonish you to shower your spouse with love, not stopping.

Ever.

They wish they still could.

But you can.

So do it.

Photos by Ryan Franco on Unsplash, Kelly Sikkema, & Kiwihug on Unsplash

Punch Me

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! Psalm 126:5

Not literally.

Thanks.

Because I get it alot.

Often.

A punching bag.

I seem to garner the offense of the children.

Regularly, maybe because I’m safe?

I’ll never reject them?

While I’m happy to be their safe person, I detest conflict.

I hate being their punching bag.

I’d rather see marshmallows and rainbows.

Why, God, are mothers treated so?

Why, when we try our hardest to build little respectful humans do our children respond with anger?

It’s our role.

Our mission.

From You, no less.

Mothers are thankless soldiers in the trenches of life.

We know what people need, we see what needs to be done, and we strive to seek the best possible outcome with our families.

Our lives are living testimonies to what God does for us.

God sacrificed His only son for the salvation of the world.

Mothers sacrifice themselves for the sake of their children.

We are hardly thanked for what we do.

We are hardly noticed for what we do.

But we are a constant.

Reliable.

Always there with a listening ear.

Always there with a hug and a snack.

Always ready with a hug.

We love and we pray.

We serve mostly in the background, making sure bread is in the pantry for lunches.

But there is One who knows.

God.

He sees it all.

He sees all of our tears as we pray for our children’s souls.

He sees all our cooking as the bodies are nourished.

He sees all our cleaning as our homes are tidied.

He sees.

He notices.

And He approves.

God, who created ALL things, notices your every act of love.

And He says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Oh, and Happy Mother’s Day 🙂

Photos by Arisa Chattasa, Simon Rae, & Tracey Hocking on Unsplash

Weeping

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. John 11:33

Jesus was fully human and knew sorrow.

He wept with us.

He was filled with compassion.

Sorrow moved Him deeply.

Just like you and me.

Our weeping friends or loved ones move us deeply.

Sometimes we are the ones weeping and others are moved to compassion for us.

Weeping signals sorrow.

That something is deeply broken.

Wrong.

Needs to be fixed.

That’s when God moves in, if you’ll let Him.

Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.“

Weeping can bring fear, as one usually cries when feeling alone.

Suddenly by themselves.

But God reminds us that He is with us.

We are NOT to be dismayed, because God is our God.

He promises not only to be with us, but to strengthen us.

He wants to help us, holding us up with His righteous right hand.

Weep.

But bring it to the feet of God.

Tell Him all of your sorrows.

He will listen, as a compassionate faithful friend.

And then He will take your sorrow, turning it into His peace.

Sometimes it takes time, especially if the wound is fresh.

But if you faithfully keep giving all of it to God, He will continually strengthen you, holding you upright with His righteous right hand.

Photos by Ksenia Makagonova,  Jordan Whitt,  Annie Spratt, & Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Jesus

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people, from this time forth and forevermore. Psalm 125:1-2

Jesus is our everything.

Our absolute everything.

Life will disappoint.

People, situations, even ourselves.

All will disappoint.

Instead, of anything else, just give me Jesus.

He is all that we need.

All we will ever need.

He will cover you with Himself.

When you are sad, He will cover you with His complete comfort.

When you are fearful, He will cover you with His perfect peace.

When you are angry, He will cover you with His tender love for others.

He will cover us, because He must.

He must cover us with His love and forgiveness.

Why?

Because we are sinful.

Selfish.

Thinking only of ourselves.

Jesus fills in the gaps others leave when they put us down.

Jesus fills in the gaps we leave when we put ourselves first.

Jesus fills in the gaping holes others leave whether intentional or not.

Jesus fills in the holes we give away when our selfishness overtakes our senses.

Jesus fills in everything.

He is our everything.

We are nothing without Him.

Thank you, Jesus, for covering us with Your forgiveness and love.

Continue to cover us every moment of every day as we choose to remain under You.

Photos by Maurice Schalker, Ron Binette, & Hannah Schulte on Unsplash

Words

Published on by amylinnea3 Comments

Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21

Wow, that’s a contrast.

Literally, death can come through your words.

Your words can eat through a person’s soul, confirming lies they might already believe.

Words can crush a person, crumpling them down to the floor.

They can create a rift, that without repair, grows over time.

Words can belittle.

Shame.

Or curse.

All of these bring death.

Maybe not immediate physical death, but emotional or spiritual damage, which becomes death if not removed.

But – the Bible also says your words can produce life.

Literally, your words can breathe life into another’s soul.

Words of encouragement to a parched and thirsty soul.

Words of comfort to a soul distressed upon life’s cares.

Affirmation to bolster another’s mood.

Hope that things will be bright again soon.

Words from God, reminding others of His peace that passes all understanding.

Words that share God’s love through you.

All of these bring life.

They water the soul, allowing life to ooze into the very corners of one’s heart, mind, and soul.

Which will you allow to flow from you this day?

Whispers of life?

Or the shouts of death?

May we continue to ask God to fill us with Him, so the flowing from our hearts brings life to others.

Photos by Raphael Schaller, Markus Winkler, & Ryan ‘O’ Niel on Unsplash

Pride

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5

If we are all completely honest, pride is our number one problem.

For most of us.

Almost all of us.

We are disappointed when others don’t see our needs.

Pride.

We are wishing others would go along with what we want.

Pride.

We compare ourselves to others, wishing we had what they had.

Pride.

We erupt in anger when our spouse doesn’t please us.

Pride.

We hesitate to notice our need to apologize as it’s always the other person’s fault.

Pride.

We decide we can never be good enough for others to love us.

Pride.

We disagree with how God created us, arguing with Him about His choices.

Pride.

It’s so easy to see pride in other people.

But not so easy to see it in ourselves.

Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall”.

One of the verses we all memorized as a child, right?

Always used to think we’d literally trip and fall if we had pride.

Maybe, but it’s probably just looking like a fool in general or at a specific time when we’re full of pride.

I for one would hate to look like a fool, so that verse helps me remember.

But if you’re thinking it would be worth it, let’s look at this next verse.

Remember, 1 Peter 5:5 says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble”.

All the fools who think pride is worth it should now reconsider.

God literally opposes the proud.

Opposes.

Is not working for the good of.

Do you want God to be against you?

Is your pride worth that?

Absolutely not.

May we all resign to put others first, forgoing ourselves as the most important.

May we repent for our sin, asking God to fill us with His Holy Spirit.

May God give us abundant grace and humility to replace the ugly pride that fills up our hearts.

Only with God can we possibly overcome the sin of pride.

Ask Him every day to help you.

And because you are focusing on humility, He absolutely will help because He won’t oppose you anymore.

Photos by Sticker Mule, Nagy David, & Jakob Owens on Unsplash

God’s Power

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11

As our thoughts are focused on Jesus this Easter weekend, let’s think a moment on God’s power.

God created all things.

God (Jesus) lived on earth as a human.

Folks, He never sinned.

Even when hungry, He never snapped.

Even when tired, He still blessed others.

Even knowing how He was about to die, He still did.

For you and for me.

He allowed Himself to carry our sinful burdens to die in our place.

But He didn’t stay there.

He rose from the dead, conquering sin and death once and for all.

He healed.

He set people free physically, mentally, and spiritually.

And He’s sitting at the right hand of God Almighty, interceding for us each day.

That’s power.

Real God power, not fake movie power like Marvel or DC (sorry folks!).

But that same real power from God lives in us as Christians.

Romans 8:11 says so.

It says if God dwells in us (through the Holy Spirit), then God will give His life to our bodies as He lives within us.

God, who raised Jesus from the dead, will live within you.

I want that life surging through my veins.

How about you?

Ask Him.

Continue asking Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit.

Stop dragging your feet around in misery.

Stop focusing on all of the crud life has thrown your way.

Stop listening to Satan’s lies you know deep down are not true.

And focus on God.

He raised Jesus from the dead.

And He can raise you to life here on earth just the same.

But you must choose to rise up from your grave of sin, death, and destruction.

Fling off the dirty rags of self.

With God’s power, you will be set free to live for Him on earth.

Today, declare Jesus lives in me and I choose to focus on Him.

Hallelujah, He is risen.

He is risen indeed!

Photos by Timothy Eberly, & Yannick Pulver on Unsplash

Fraud

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me. Deliver me, O Lord from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue. Psalm 120:1-2

I am a fraud.

Flawed.

Not perfect.

You?

If you’re honest, you’ll agree.

Yes about me, but I’m referring to you.

None of us are perfect.

We all demand.

We all seek number one (us).

We all judge.

Living for ourselves, we seek to put ourselves first.

We do that in countless ways.

Too many really to count.

When was the last time you decided to put someone else first?

To ignore your needs, seeking to serve the other first?

Think about Jesus.

He was fully human while serving all of us.

Imagine how tired he was when people kept streaming into his company for ministry after a long day of preaching.

Imagine how hungry he was when tempted and fasting for 40 days in the desert.

Imagine how much agony he suffered while climbing the hill to die for us.

Imagine how separate he felt when God turned His back, allowing Jesus to die for our sins?

Jesus did all of that for us.

He always thought of the bigger picture.

Of the suffering people.

Of how He could help all of us instead of Himself.

We can be generous, too.

Generosity will take our focus off of ourselves.

And when we stop focusing on our number one (us), the things of this world that fill us with anxiety will slowly fade away.

Does it matter if our Christmas tree doesn’t please us in the way we wish?

Nope.

Does it matter if we don’t have that perfect family photo?

Not at all.

What matters is people.

Helping others see the love of God.

And that, my friends, will help us move from fraud to real.

Knowing we are really loved by God.

May we focus on others, spreading the love of God as it oozes from our very selves into the lives of others.

The Robe

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Great is Your mercy, O Lord; give me life according to Your rules. Psalm 119:156

Ever read The Robe?

It was written in 1942 by Lloyd Douglas and has become an enduring classic for millions over the years.

Sharing the story of a young Roman soldier, you are drawn into the story as this soldier crucifies Jesus.

He literally commands the soldiers who nail our Jesus on the cross.

While Jesus is dying, this Roman soldier wins Jesus’ robe while gambling.

The story winds through the the days after Jesus died and the couple years after.

Books are so interesting when Bible stories are woven into a novel.

It’s as if you are there with the Roman soldier.

Feeling the sun on your face and the dusty roads under your face.

Because the Robe disturbs this Roman soldier, he is drawn to find out about Jesus.

Through talking with disciples and hearing the Bible stories from first hand accounts, this Roman soldier becomes a Christian.

I won’t give away the ending, but it takes place in Rome when the Emperor was a bit nuts.

It got me thinking.

How many times have we been there?

Hurting our Lord’s heart?

Like this Roman soldier, sometimes we don’t realize our sin because we’re so wrapped up in ourselves.

Only when we are touched by Jesus can we possibly understand.

Jesus wants us to love like He loved.

Jesus wants us to serve like He served.

And Jesus wants us to forgive like He forgave.

While dying on the cross, Jesus forgave that Roman soldier.

Could you?

May we remember our Lord’s example and may we strive to be ever more like Him.

Always.

Photos by Yannick Pulver, Hush Naidoo. Robert Bye , & Sylvain Brison on Unsplash

Wide Open

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27

Jesus is forever our always.

Forever, Jesus is our always.

Always and forever, is Jesus to you.

To me.

To us.

He is and always will be there for you.

Always.

For all things.

Every little thing.

There is no place we can hide from His love.

There is no place away from His presence.

We simply cannot run away from Him.

He is always here, waiting for you.

In good times and bad.

When you want Him and when you don’t.

He is always standing with His arms wide open, waiting for you.

There is nothing you can do to close His arms to you.

There is nothing you can do to close His thoughts towards you.

And there is nothing you can do to separate His love from you.

All you have to do is turn towards Him, accepting His love.

Today.

Tomorrow.

The next day, and the next.

Each day, you must choose Him.

You must choose to abide in His love.

You must choose to listen to His voice, showering you with His blessings.

Since there’s no place you can hide, step out into the light.

Allow Jesus to wipe away your tears.

Allow Jesus to lift your burdens from your shoulders.

And allow Him to give you His strength.

His peace.

His joy.

Allow yourself to be loved by God.

His arms are wide open for you.

Photos by Alex Woods, Milada Vigerova, Nathan Dumlao, Ben White, & Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Good

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

God is still good.

He is.

He is still good.

Even though….

Fill in the blank with whatever your even though is.

Even though your family breaks apart, He is still good.

Even though your life isn’t what you pictured, He is still good.

Even though your children’s attitudes are louder than their love, He is still good.

Even though your selfishness overwhelms you sometimes, He is still good.

Even though your parents are separated, He is still good.

Even though your child rejects you, He is still good.

Even though your child’s lifestyle doesn’t match your view of them, He is still good.

Even though.

Even though everything, right?

Do the little things matter?

Yes, they do, because we are human.

But the bigger picture remains God’s alone.

God alone is on the throne, and He is good.

He works everything out for our good if we trust in Him.

Romans 8:28 says, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

All things He works for our good.

Because we love Him and are called according to His purpose.

When we keep placing our trust in Him, He works all things out for our good.

Thank goodness.

Purpose to place your family in His hands.

Purpose to place your life in His hands.

Purpose to place your very self within His capable hands.

In return, He will work all things for your good.

Because He loves you that much.

Photos by Clémence Taillez, eberhard grossgasteiger, & Paul Green on Unsplash

Slow Slide

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today”, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:12-13

Satan rarely enters with a bang.

He rarely announces his presence, coming through our choices instead.

It’s usually one choice.

That leads you to another.

And another.

And another.

And before you know it, you don’t recognize the path anymore as you’ve veered away from God.

It’s rarely fast; it’s usually slow.

So slow, you don’t even notice.

Panic from not studying, you glance at your friend’s test paper.

Just one look.

Just one answer.

Never again, you tell yourself.

That was easy.

Next time, it’s even easier.

Justified in your mind.

You sneak a pack of gum into your pocket without paying.

At home, the gum doesn’t taste as good as you thought, but it was free.

The next time it’s easier.

Justified in your mind.

You start spending alone time with a person of the opposite gender.

Lots of time.

But you’re married.

The friendship grows.

Becomes more.

One day at a time.

Justified in your mind.

Satan rarely announces the wrecking of your life.

The justification he wants you to follow.

How do we keep doing exactly what God wants us to do?

We must weigh everything with Him.

Ask Him.

Ask Him about everything.

He’s always right there, wanting to help you.

I Peter 5:18 reminds us to Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

It’s possible to love God and remain passive.

I’ve seen it multiple times as little sins become big, building up and refusing to leave as pride takes over common sense.

Lord, may we seek Your will in all we do.

Please guide us into Your plans and give us Your wisdom for every little thing.

Amen.

Photos by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Living with Jesus

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:2-3

Who is He to you?

Jesus.

Was He simply a nice guy?

Model of morality?

Or your King of Kings?

Savior of your soul?

Yes to all of the above.

Although, He was and is more than simply a nice guy.

Is He more than your King?

More than your Savior?

While that role is the most important, what about the here and now?

Is He your friend?

Your confidante?

Your comforter?

Your secure dwelling?

Jesus is so much more than the Savior of our wreched souls.

His role for when we die is the payor of our sins.

Completely paid for.

Miraculous.

His role for the here and now involves your everything.

He wants to be your heart’s cry.

He wants to be your first thought when you wake and your last as you close your eyes in rest.

And everything in between.

He wants to fill you with Himself so you can be His witness here on earth.

Taking other precious souls with you when death arrives.

Are you letting Him?

Letting Him be your everything?

If not, you’re missing out big time.

Allow Him to be within you, using your hands and feet to bless others.

Allow Him to bless others while you speak His words of life.

Surrender your life beyond asking Him to save your soul.

Saving your soul is the first step.

Very important, yes, but it’s not the whole package.

Allowing Him to work through you as you surrender every little thing to Him will yield not only happiness, but His perfect peace as you let fear, anxiety, and control fade away.

Simply ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit.

Talk to Him throughout the day.

Tell Him how you feel, what you need, and ask Him for His help.

His faithfulness will overwhelm you and His presence will comfort your precious self.

That, my friends, is living.

Photos by Kari Shea & Jenny Ueberberg on Unsplash

The Faithfulness of God

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments. Psalm 103:17-18

Keep trusting.

Keep believing.

God has a plan and it is our only job to keep going, trusting and believing He will do what He has promised He will do.

You must remember how faithful God is to us, His beloved.

If you have forgotten, look through the Bible.

Look back into your life.

Notice again those moments He was faithful to you.

Inspect the lives of others and notice how very faithful God always is, even when you think He’s not.

When we have doubt, it’s because we don’t see God moving fast enough for us.

We don’t see evidence of our prayers immediate fruitfulness.

We don’t see the movement of God with our loved ones.

Those reactions are rooted in our flesh and not in the space of God.

God always hears your prayers.

And yes, they work, meaning He always hears them.

Your prayers matter.

You might not see the fruitfulness for years, but they still matter.

I understand wanting to see a sign from God, confirming the assignment of our prayers.

I’ll share mine.

I’ve been praying for the souls of my children.

While I know all 5 of them have faith deep down from their itty bitty childhood selves, their adolescent and young adult selves have not exhibited the faith they once had.

I’ve been asking God to surround them with godly friends.

To cover them with His peace, freedom, and the knowledge of His truth.

My youngest son’s life was recently spared from death.

His car was totaled on the interstate during an icy spell.

He came within inches of death and he knows it.

Thank you, Jesus, for your evidence of faithfulness.

He’s been reminded how precious life is.

His heart has been opened to God.

Both he and my eldest son have recently realized what a treasure our family is to them.

My oldest two daughters have shown care for others beyond themselves.

Restoration has happened on many levels within our family from the brokenness and ugliness of the world.

All of this possible only from the faithfulness of God.

Every morning, after inhaling my devotions, I seek the Lord for my family.

Today, God showed me He is working, even when I don’t see it.

That’s what faithfulness is – keeping the prayers flowing even when I don’t see it.

Even when you don’t see it.

Thank you, God, for allowing me to see a glimpse of what You are doing, how You are working.

May we all see evidence of Your faithfulness as we lift our families before Your throne.

And may You continue to run after our family with reckless abandon, bringing them into Your arms once again.

Photos by Olivia Snow, David Beale, & Ben White on Unsplash

Loving God’s Way

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him. Psalm 103:13

Sigh, I admit, this is hard.

Way hard.

Loving God’s way means loving the unlovable.

Not caring about the reaction.

But loving anyway.

Because that’s what God does.

He loves you, doesn’t He?

And let’s admit, you’re not always perfectly loveable either.

Everyone deserves to be loved.

No matter how they act towards you.

I’m not excusing behavior, just pointing out the underlying layer of love that must exist.

We do things out of love.

We cook dinner.

May I say that again as it truly is an act of love? 🙂

We drive people.

We plan outings, birthdays, and holidays.

There are hundreds of things parents do for children that remain un-thanked.

But we do it out of love.

We make our spouse coffee.

We think of them as we plan meals.

There are hundreds of things spouses do for their spouse that remain un-thanked.

We diligently work at our job.

We pour our hearts into our very lives, while pouring out onto others in our path.

Sometimes we are loved back.

Those moments are precious.

But sometimes we are ignored or even shunned.

But we still love.

Why?

Because that’s what God asks of us.

If we are to be His hands and feet…

If we are to exhibit His character…

If we are to bring others to Himself, we must remain in love.

We must love others who not only love us back, but also those who do not.

While I never excuse behavior, I simply always love.

How?

With God’s love surging through my veins.

Only with His love, am I able to reach beyond my human limitations and love God’s way.

Photos by Debby Hudson, Tyler Nix, Photo by Jez Timms, & Fadi Xd on Unsplash

I’m Sorry

Published on by amylinnea3 Comments

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Proverbs 28:13

What do those words mean to you?

An apology?

Heartfelt from you to the offended?

Or a necessary evil?

Something to get your loved one off your back?

Apologies mean the world.

They write the wrongs.

Cover the faults.

Restore relationships.

Why is it so hard sometimes to apologize?

Pride?

What is true Christ-like apology?

Acknowledging your part with no strings attached.

Simply saying you are sorry for what you have done.

End of story.

No excuses.

Is that what you do?

Or do you apologize on the wings of accusing the other person along the way?

True apology only acknowledges your part.

You and you alone.

Fess up and relent.

Accept responsibility for what you and you alone have done.

End of story.

When you offer a sincere apology, void of blame and accusation, all will be well.

Relationships will be smoothed and offenses forgiven.

But only if you take responsibility for your own actions.

Don’t apologize by blaming the other person.

Simply say you’re sorry for what you did.

Honestly and sincere.

Look at the other person and say those words.

Only then will God redeem your situation.

Forgiveness is quick and sweet.

Humble yourself and ask.

It’s the only way.

Photos by Brett Jordan & Sandra Grünewald on Unsplash

Imagine

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly. Psalm 52:8-9

I cannot even imagine life without Jesus.

Living in absolute fear without the foundation of my all knowing God.

Not sharing my deepest fears with the One who already knows.

Not asking Him to remove my fear, replacing it with His complete peace.

I cannot imagine not having the eternal security of heaven because of Jesus’ death on the cross for my sins.

Imagine thinking about death without Him.

Death would be the end.

No more.

Imagine life without Him.

Life would be completely up to you and me…….and chance.

That would be too much pressure.

With my personality, I’d beat myself up for sure.

A lot.

I cannot imagine going through the valley of death without God’s perfect peace.

Walking in the shadow of death without God’s protection and presence would have been the end of me.

Even with God, life is no walk in the park.

But without Him in my life, all I can say is wow.

I cannot imagine life without my Savior.

Life would not be life.

It would be so materialistic and surface like.

I’m so thankful I don’t have to trust myself to get through life.

Not only to get through, but to succeed.

Thankfully, we don’t have to imagine life without God.

God is here.

He has been, is, and always will be.

Forever and ever.

There is no life without Him, there was no life without Him and there will be no life without Him.

Can I get an amen? 🙂

Guess what?

We never have to imagine a world without Jesus, unless we choose to.

Thank God!

Photos by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

His Wings

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4

Your God promises to completely cover you with Himself.

Hiding you under His wings.

You will find refuge there.

Safety.

His faithfulness is your shield.

Your impenetrable shield.

Visually saw an example recently with, yes, Wonder Woman ’84.

There’s a scene where a warrior is completely enveloped within iron wings closed around her.

The enemy is literally right there, flinging weapons.

But the “feathers” or wings keep her safe.

I love to picture God surrounding me with His armor.

His protection for whatever comes my way.

Thank you, God, for always covering me with You.

There’s no place I’d rather be.

Photos by Debby Hudson, Samantha Kennedy, Gary Bendig, & Nico Frey on Unsplash