Category: Faithfulness

No Match for God

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows everything. 1 John 3:20

Ever realized something about fear?

When fear speaks into your life, it’s about the present.

Your current circumstances.

It fills you up with worry about what may happen when presented with your current situation.

Except it’s so sneaky, you begin to think fear can perfectly predict your future.

I know because we listen. We listen so well, we believe it.

We believe the lies of fear.

Why does the devil try to wrap you up in fear about your future?

Because the devil, who is fear, doesn’t know your future.

He likes to predict it for you, but he has no clue.

The future fears you dwell upon are simply fiction.

Made up to scare you.

Paralyze you from acting on the will of God over your life.

But you know what is absolutely real and complete truth?

God’s promises for you.

He knows the beginning from the end and God’s promises to you will not return void.

When God tells you in Isaiah 41:10 NOT to fear and He is WITH us, holding us up with His right hand, you can believe it.

Because He said it, He will do it.

Or in Jeremiah 29:11, God tells us He KNOWS the plans He has for us. And they are very good, FULL of hope and promise, not harm.

That flies in the face of fear’s lies, does it not?

Finally, God promises to NEVER ever leave us. Deuteronomy 31:8 also reminds us God will not forsake us.

God is with us always and He’s not turning His back.

So when fear whispers into your ear, turn your head towards the promises of God.

Fear is full of lies, and God is full of truth.

Fear plays to your weakness and God is your strength.

When we are weak, He is strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Thank you, God, for being our strength.

Fear, your lies have zero chance anymore.

Photos by Virginia Marinova & Joel Muniz on Unsplash

Is It Well with Your Soul?

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows, like a sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.

Tho’ Satan should buffet, tho’ trials should come, Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin- oh, the bliss of this glorious thought- My sin- not in part but in whole,
Is nailed to His cross and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh, my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trumph shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, “Even so”- it is well with my soul.

It Is Well with My Soul by Horatio G. Spafford, 1873

God created us with a body, soul, and spirit.

Our body is temporary. No surprise, but we have an expiration date.

Our soul is our mind, will, and emotions.

It’s our human side that generally drives our decisions.

Works in sync with our body.

We decide to eat poorly (our will) because we’re grumpy, and our body is affected.

Then our mind and emotions feel guilty and we pledge to do better until the next time something annoys us.

Then the cycle continues.

Our spirit is what communicates with God.

It’s what is broken when we have not given ourselves to God.

When you continually ask God to fill you with Himself, your spirit can reign over your mind and soul, transforming them according to God’s plan.

Bringing me back to my original question.

Is it well with your soul?

Your mind, will, and emotions?

You can only be well with your soul if you focus on Jesus.

If you give Him your burdens.

If you allow Him to work through you as we cannot do this on our own.

If you allow Him to give you His peace in the midst of a stormy season of life.

It is well with your soul if you can remain calm when attacks come your way.

It is well with your soul if you can continue loving others when instead they cause you harm.

It is well with your soul if you do not dwell on negative thoughts, but instead praise God even if.

The writer of the hymn, Horatio Spafford, was a Christian, who endured tragedies like Job.

First he lost his son, then his sprawling investments during the Great Chicago Fire, and finally his four daughters on a boat to Europe. Only his wife survived.

While going to rescue his wife in Europe, he wrote the words to the hymn while sailing over the spot his daughters perished.

Enduring the loss of almost everything, his focus remained on God.

His soul was well, meaning his mind, will, and emotions were fixed on God.

Only when Jesus is your single source of peace can it be well with your soul.

Not another human.

Not any circumstance.

Not even yourself.

Only Jesus.

Humans regularly fail us.

We regularly fall short.

But Jesus never has, never does, and never will.

Allow Him to be your all in all as you seek Him first and declare to all it is well with your soul.

Photos by Nani Williams on Unsplash

Agreeing with Sin

Published on by amylinnea3 Comments

For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food…..she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Genesis 3:5

How long do you think Adam and Eve were in the garden before listening to the devil?

A month?

A year?

Too bad Eve never experienced pain free childbirth, yes?

That was part of her punishment from God.

But back to the devil.

Why did Eve almost immediately believe the snake over God?

Guessing this was maybe the first time she had spoken with it?

The devil played to Eve’s desire for more.

Wanting to be like God. Or maybe living as her own god, knowing everything our God does.

Did Adam help his wife resist?

Nope. He happily ate, too, when given the opportunity.

No protection for his wife, just partook in the snack.

After they finished, they were immediately changed.

Changed for the worse.

Knowing they were naked, they made themselves clothes, hiding from Almighty God.

First of all, imagine walking with God every day, talking about this and that.

Wow.

Now imagine the panic of your daily walk approaching, knowing you have done the ONE thing you were not supposed to do.

I’d hide, too.

But you can’t hide from God.

Nothing can be hid from Him as He knows all things.

Imagine God watching Adam and Eve eat that fruit.

Probably similar to watching your own child do something naughty.

Except this was when sin actually entered God’s perfect world.

A little worse, yes?

When Adam and Eve obeyed the snake instead of God, they awakened what separates us from God.

Our flesh crying out for control.

Wanting our way over God’s.

The desire to satisfy our flesh over God’s commandments.

Fulfilling that leads to sin.

What are you hiding from God?

Release everything to Him as He wants your everything.

Tell Him what you’ve been hiding, not sharing with a living soul.

He won’t turn away. He’ll help you change.

He knows it anyway.

Photos by Dee., Kristina V, David Vig, & Emmanuel Phaeton on Unsplash

Kerplop

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:24

The long school year finally came to a close.

Where was I with under an hour till the bitter end?

In a heap on the floor.

After missing the last step while waltzing down the stairs to assembly, I heard my ankle make a weird sound as I fell to the floor.

Happy summer to me!

Lying on the ground with my head on the stairs, I contemplated what had transpired.

Didn’t have to sit alone more than a couple of seconds before my friend came rushing to my side.

Not wanting to throw up or faint, I laid there quietly, unable to do much else.

My friend summoned help and over the next bits of time, I was covered with God’s provision.

While resting on the dirty stairs, I was cared for. All my needs answered.

When I was at my lowest, God never left my side.

He was in the people who came, helping with different things each time.

He was in my husband’s schedule who had not left for a job hours away.

He was in the friend who recommended where to go.

He was in the doctor’s office that helped me in and out in under an hour.

He was in the details.

He always is.

Yes, He allows things. Suffering.

But He’s always right there along with you.

We can have peace amidst our trials because we know Who is with us.

God goes before us, is beside us, and is behind us.

Every single day.

Even when we go kerplop.

We have no idea how blessed we really are.

Photos by Lindsay Henwood, Denys Sudilkovsky, Kelly Sikkema, & Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

All the Little Things

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Even to your old age I am He, and even to your advanced old age I will carry you! I have made you, and I will carry you; Be assured I will carry you and I will save you. Isaiah 46:4

Do you recognize the absolute pleasure of watching God take care of you?

We try so hard to control our worlds.

Our environments. Our decisions.

Our current and future moments.

We try, yet fail so often.

We can’t possibly ever reach perfection: perfect control of our worlds.

But that’s not our job. It’s God’s.

God is the one who controls all things.

He ultimately holds our breath in His hands.

When you try to manage yourselves, we rely on our own strength.

Our own wisdom.

Our own humanly flawed brains.

I for one don’t remember all I should. You?

Do you fret about it?

Suddenly become anxious when you, gasp, mess up?

You shouldn’t. Just try your best. God’s got the rest.

Went to a fun Mexican restaurant last weekend with my sweet husband.

For some reason, I used my credit card to pay and we went on our merry way.

The next day, I was first at the register, so I reached into my wallet to pay for our mulch and plants.

My credit card was missing!

My husband paid our bill, and we discussed where the card could possibly be.

At the restaurant from the night before!

Quickly we called and sure enough, it was waiting for me. No extra charges, just a sad, lonely card.

What a relief! I’m coming!!

Here’s where God comes into this picture: I rarely pay a store when the two of us are together.

What if I had not tried to pay for our mulch?

When would I have noticed the missing card?

Probably days later as I am a school teacher, never needing my card during the week.

God prompted me to use it, so I would notice it’s absence.

Isn’t God so kind?

But that’s His heart.

We learn a lesson (take back your card when you pay!), but He gently guides us along the way.

Stop trying everything on your own.

Do your best, and let God do the rest.

He’s much better at it, anyway.

Photos by Luke Ow, Vitolda Klein, Schiba, & Ben White on Unsplash

Forgiveness

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and pure heart. Psalm 24:3-4a

What does it mean to have clean hands and a pure heart?

It’s one who seeks God. Who seeks God’s will, purpose, and plan for his life.

One who seeks the face of God.

One who lives within the forgiveness of God, extending in turn forgiveness to others who wrong him.

One who lives humbly under the authority of God.

One who stands in awe of God’s power, remembering Who is ultimately in control.

One who walks daily with God, obeying His written word and the promptings within his heart.

Clean hands require God’s grace, mercy, and strength.

There is no possible way to successfully rely on ourselves instead.

We are dependent on God. We must remain dependent on Him.

He gives us strength to obey His word.

He gives us grace for others when we must forgive.

He gives us peace amidst the storm.

He gives us salvation from our sins.

But we must choose to clean our hands.

We must choose to walk with God, asking Him to fill our hands with His plans.

Extending forgiveness to others ranks high on the “later, Lord” list.

But how can we have clean hands and a pure heart when we harbor un-forgiveness?

Even if it’s not deserved, we must.

We must forgive.

Doesn’t mean we are now forgetful or best friends with the offender.

Means we let the offense go, allowing God to heal our hearts.

I did that recently. Someone who has known me a very long time.

I let it go. And you know what? It freed me.

God reminded me how much He has forgiven me.

Immediately I knew it must be extended to others.

My person didn’t deserve it.

But neither do I.

I don’t deserve God’s forgiveness.

Want to ascend the hill of the Lord with me?

God wants us to have clean hands and a pure heart.

Includes forgiveness.

Ask Him to help you, and grab those shoes. The hill looks lovely.

Photos by Joseph Liu, Adrian Jakob, Tim Wildsmith, & Thomas de LUZE on Unsplash

Broken Bars

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves. And I have broken the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect. Leviticus 26:13

The Israelites were slaves in Egypt for a long time.

One day is actually too much.

But God rescued them, bringing them out of slavery under Moses’ leadership.

God broke the bars of their yoke, which was incredibly heavy as slaves.

He freed them, causing them to lose not only their yoke, but instead walk completely upright.

They were no longer prisoners.

One can only walk upright without a burden on their back.

Ever tried to carry something heavy or awkward?

We usually stoop at least a bit.

Or what about internal burdens not physically seen?

Those are usually bigger.

The pressures and weight cause us to walk around slightly hunched, eyes downward, gloom written on our faces.

Even our eyes look sad when we are under the yoke of burdens, which become our prison as we constantly feel the pressures, not aware of any escape.

God reminds us in Leviticus of His deliverance from slavery. Of the prison the Israelites were dwelling.

And He also reminds us He has broken the bars of that yoke, allowing us to walk uprightly.

Do you want to walk uprightly as one who has received God’s peace and strength?

Eager to break out of your prison?

Have you given your burdensome yoke to God?

Those pressing situations causing you to stoop over with anxiety or fear?

He wants to break your yoke, allowing you to walk out of your prison, into the freedom He has for you.

As you release all things to God, He will straighten your back, causing a smile to spread across your face.

Walk uprightly. Smile. Look others in the eyes.

You are God’s beloved one. He has your life in His hands.

And He has all the stuff you worry about, too.

When you place your trust in God for not only your salvation, but your life here on earth as well, your prison doors are opened.

Give God your relationships, your jobs, your addictions, your future, and more.

And don’t allow that yoke to reattach as worry and fear begin creeping back into control.

God is more powerful than your burden.

Allow Him to take it off.

He’ll even help you with the transfer.

Now don’t worry about where He put it.

Just pray and trust Him instead.

Doesn’t it feel great to stand tall again?

Photos by Artem Beliaikin, Daniel Born, Daniel Krueger , & Ben White on Unsplash

Scattering Seeds

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. Mark 4:26-27

Ever become frustrated by a lack of growth in an area?

Could be yourself, a loved one, or a friend.

God’s timing is not always our timing.

Preaching to the choir, I know.

But our job? It is to remain faithful to the call God has on our lives.

Part of our call is to pray for the lost, asking God to soften their hearts.

Part of our call is to encourage others, pointing them to the One they can trust.

And part of our call is to be His witness.

God’s hands and feet to those we meet.

While we usually don’t see any changes, seeds are scattered. Planted. Watered.

You might be the one who scatters that seed.

Or maybe you planted a seed specifically.

Or maybe your job was to water the seed. Again and again.

We often don’t know what role we play on another’s journey to God.

But as long as we are doing our part, we can anticipate the harvest.

But sometimes we don’t even know we are planting any seeds.

We are unaware people are watching, weighing our words or actions with God’s gentle whispers.

And one day, when that harvest pops through, we are surprised as anyone!

Let me give you an example.

Last year I had two pots of pansies on my front porch.

Not sure what kind, but I know now. How do I know?

I have several little bunches popping out of my mulch in full bloom.

Did I plant them? Nope.

Did I scatter the seeds? No, but the plant did.

And this spring, I am enjoying the harvest.

Plus now I know what kind of pansies I had last year.

As you go about your day, praying for others, think about the seeds you are scattering.

It’s pretty incredible to be a part of someone’s story to Jesus.

May we all keep pursuing Jesus on behalf of others we know and don’t know.

And someday soon, may we see a glimpse of the happy souls we love rejoicing with their faith in God.

Waiting for You

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. Isaiah 30:18

Morning dawned, and her alarm sounded.

Waking, the girl opened her eyes.

She stumbled out of bed, beginning her day.

Jesus was sitting on a chair by her bed. Waiting.

Returning to her room, she thought of opening her Bible and praying.

She wanted to, but realized she didn’t have the time. She was late.

And Jesus still sat, waiting.

After school the girl returned, but her phone begged for her attention.

Flopping down on the bed, she ignored the thoughts of reading the Bible.

Jesus was still there, waiting.

Dinner came and went. TV shows were watched. Homework completed.

Climbing into bed at the end of the day, the girl glanced at her Bible.

She wanted to read it, but her flesh cried out for sleep.

She mumbled a prayer as she closed her eyes.

And Jesus was still there, waiting.

He waited in her room every day.

He longed for a deeper relationship; He loved her so.

As the years went by, she changed houses and rooms, yet Jesus was always there. Waiting.

She had always grown up believing in Him, asking Him into her heart when she was young.

However, she had never really developed her relationship with God, putting it off even though she felt badly.

But Jesus never left. He was always there, waiting for her.

Did she sit with Him? That all depends. Do you?

Photos by Ben White & Amira Aboalnaga on Unsplash

Tears

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

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

God takes no pleasure in watching us suffer.

He is moved when we are troubled.

He knows the beginning from the end, yet allows all sorts of things.

Sorrows and joys all filter through His hands before they reach our world.

He knows the moment we will receive news we wish we hadn’t.

He anticipates our gut wrenching grief.

So He prepares us, enfolding us in His loving kindness.

I imagine God knowing before us, watching us receive a sorrow from the depths of our souls.

As our Father, our Creator, He weeps with us when the news turns our insides out.

All He asks is our trust. Our trust in Him. His authority. His sovereignty. His plan.

Knowing He stands by our side in sorrow, keeps our feet moving step by step.

Just as I wish I could take away any of my children’s pain, God’s love for us is even more.

He never wants us to suffer, yet He knows our world is full of it.

And suffer we must. Doesn’t mean He enjoys it. Because He doesn’t.

But He allows life to happen. Because of this, we must keep our trust with Him.

Just imagine how He loves us so.

Wanting to witness our joys, never our sorrows.

He loves us so much He sent Jesus, His Son, to die in our place.

God witnessed the death of His Son.

Because of this, we can rest assured God understands.

He understands pain, and the purpose of pain.

The purpose of sacrifice.

As we identify with God in our pain, allow Him to scoop you into His loving arms.

God, who created you, understands.

He longs for your trust, burden, and your tears.

Allow Him to comfort you. He longs to. Every single time.

Photos by Ingmar H, Jametlene Reskp, Pascal van de Vendel, & Hannah Busing on Unsplash

Trusting God, Still

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

You hem me in, behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5

Still I trust You, God.

Even when life throws me down.

Still I will trust You, God.

Even when a loved one passes on from this earth.

When my heart tears open once again.

Still I will trust You, God.

When my body betrays me, despite filling it with health.

When we wait for results, which are in the hands of God.

Still I trust You, God.

When life doesn’t make sense.

When I’m too tired to care much anymore.

Still I trust You, God.

When everything certain seems to disappear,

You, God, remain still.

You remain with me every moment of every day.

You hem me in behind, beside, and before.

You order my steps. Then you walk every one with me.

Nothing in this world compares to You.

You’ve always been there for me. And You always will be.

Even when life becomes too hard or very much real.

That’s why I trust You still.

And I always will.

Because Your faithfulness and gentle loving-kindness remind me I have nothing to fear.

Photos by Tomas Hudolin, Arleen wiese, Daiga Ellaby, & David Beale on Unsplash

Smoke Alarm

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. James 1:19

You’re exhausted from a long day at work.

Arriving home, you plop into your chair.

You smell something slightly off, but ignore it.

Doesn’t seem important.

Your spouse comes to you, mentioning the smell.

Since you have decided it’s not important, you inform your spouse it’s nothing.

After all, your authority stands as gospel.

In the middle of the night, you are awakend by a smoke filled room.

Coughing, you can barely breathe.

Together, you both slowly crawl out of the bedroom, barely escaping the raging fire.

Standing in the yard, you survey your house, now engulfed in flames.

You’ve lost everything.

And so has your spouse.

Everything except for each other.

If only you had listened to her, your home would still be standing.

The tiny flame would have been easy to stamp out.

But the tiny flame grew into a total loss.

Nothing left.

Daily we must be on the lookout for smoke. Warnings.

Comes in a variety of ways through your job, finances, habits, and relationships.

Satan does not want your marriage to thrive.

He wants to whisk away your children.

He wants to distract you from your relationship with God.

And he wants to destroy your peace on earth.

Be on alert, reacting with those Holy Spirit nudges.

Takes humility. Perseverance. Strength. Focus.

But God’s here, standing by your side with all the tools you could possibly need.

In fact, when you place your faith and trust daily in Him, He’ll help you smell that smoke the moment it erupts.

May we listen to the hearts of others God uses to speak through.

May we honor the thoughts of our spouse, because then we honor the thoughts of God.

May our habits reflect the nudges of God as we obey His plans for us.

May we cover the flame of conflict with humble godliness before our ignorance causes us to loose everything.

Photos by Kilian Seiler, Steven Weeks, Piotr Chrobot, & Olivia Snow on Unsplash

Appointed and Annointed

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5

How do you see yourself?

Defeated or victorious?

Less than or worthy?

Demoted or honored?

Jeremiah 1:5 reminds us of our value.

Who God says we are.

Before we took our first breath, God set us apart.

God, who made all things, declares our worth.

His word is infinitely more important than the opinion of others.

Do you see this?

Do you see your value?

You must. You must cement it into your precious brain.

Because the firey darts will come.

They will come, trying to spread their poison into your very being.

Lies from others.

Jealous, hurtful words.

Or mere remarks not meant to be for your ears.

The devil will also try his hardest to influence you.

To confirm the fears he plants into your head, bringing your worth equal to a smelly trash heap.

Choose to believe the truth.

Choose to look at yourself through God’s eyes.

God sees you completely protected by His strength, purpose, and love.

Liken it to His armor, worn, yet strong as steel, covering every inch of your vulnerable self.

Pretend you are peeking through God’s armor, which covers you with His value.

His predestined value of you.

God’s protection over you is real.

Just like your truth as His beloved.

Marked to accomplish His work to the nations.

Trust God, obey His declaration, and believe your worth.

Will you partner with God today?

Photos by Yannick Apollon, Evgeni Tcherkasski, Stephen Bedase, & Nik Shuliahin 💛💙 on Unsplash

Your Closest Friend

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 1:5

Jesus is as close as you want Him to be or as far away as you choose for Him to be.

He’s always right by your side.

You can choose to let Him into your life, or not.

You can be as intimate as you want.

Jesus would like to be your all in all.

Your closest friend.

But it’s your choice.

If you choose to push Him away, He’ll go.

Not because He wants to, but because of your choices.

But the moment you change your mind, calling to Him, He’ll run right back.

Because He loves you.

Decide today to put God the very first in your life.

Life won’t be easy, but under the umbrella of God’s love, wisdom, and peace, His protection will filter the harsher bites of life and soothe the painful parts, too.

There really is no choice, but God.

Bring God close to you.

It’s why you were created.

For relationship with God Himself.

Photos by James Lee, Giorgio Trovato, Chris Curry, & Andrew Spencer on Unsplash

Always by Your Side

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

He’s here.

Picture Jesus sitting right here.

In the chair beside you.

He’s as near as your very breath.

He’s waiting for you to need Him.

He knows you need Him, more than you even realize, but He gives you that choice.

He knows your heart belongs to Him, but sometimes it wanders away a bit.

When your heart wanders, it seeks after things of this world instead of God.

Jesus is seeking the Father on your behalf.

Always in prayer for you.

Your needs. Your health.

Your very life.

Anticipating your sigh, He looks at you.

Love and sympathy pour from His eyes.

He sees you.

He knows you.

He has a plan for all your days.

Good things, hard things, and everything in between.

He longs to hear your heart.

To carry your burdens, big or small.

As you labor through this life, reach out to Jesus.

Tell Him your joys.

Your sorrows.

Your hopes and dreams.

By the way, He already knows them all.

Reach out to Him afresh today.

He’s right here waiting for you.

Photos by Joshua Lawrence, Andrew Shelley, eduard, & Ben White on Unsplash

Still Good

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people both now and forevermore. Psalm 125:2

Even if, God is still good.

Even if my daughter has cancer, God is still good.

Even if my family looks different than what I planned, God is still good.

Even if holidays are not what I pictured, God is still good.

Even if our country elects the leader I don’t choose, God is still good.

Even if the world erupts in war, God is still good.

Even if I don’t look the way I wish, God is still good.

Even if my parents go their separate ways, God is still good.

How do I know our God is still good even if?

Because in the midst of it all, God holds all things in His hands.

He created all things.

The world and all it contains exists only because of Him.

And when humanity fell apart, He redeemed our broken world through His Son, Jesus.

Because He loves us.

Yes, He allows free choice, which is why there is sin.

And yes, He allows sin to affect us.

But rest assured, He still holds you in His hands.

In fact, He surrounds you with His perfect peace when you surrender it all to Him.

He has plans just for you.

So even if the worst happens, God is still good.

Always and forevermore.

Photos by Jeremy Bishop, Ales Krivec, Steve Carter, & Yannick Pulver on Unsplash

Losing Control

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

I hold onto things too tightly.

When I do, I remain in control.

As more and more things climb into my hands, I stumble, dropping everything.

I stand, crestfallen at the mess before me.

Looking up, I see You, my God, are here.

Your arms are reaching down to me, inviting me to come.

To surrender.

I place my hand in Yours as You lift me onto Your lap.

Instantly feeling peace, I rest, knowing You are the great I Am.

I look down at the life I’ve spilled and because of You, the messy pile is gone.

You’ve organized all of it for me.

In it’s place is a nice neat row, everything in a logical place.

You’ve even added Your touch, causing it to look more beautiful than it’s ever looked.

Thank you for reminding me that You, God, are in control.

You are my helper. My shield. My protector.

You are the author of my peace.

My constant shelter in the storms of life.

Remind me to give you my daily moments.

Remind me to let You hold my days as you protect me, allowing my hope to dwell in the future plans You have just for little ole me.

Photos by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

Unaffected, Unmoved, Unavailable

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. Genesis 5:1

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10

How affected are you by others?

How often do situations move you into fear?

How available are you to the enemy’s agenda?

Guilty!

I know the truth of who God says I am.

Yet often, I fail to remember.

I know the truth, yet I often forget.

Am I alone in this, or does this happen to you, too?

When I forget, I am affected deeply by the ugliness of others.

When I forget, I am moved to fear or anxiety, sometimes even liking my pity party.

And when I forget, I become available to the devil’s lies. To his schemes. To his agenda.

That’s why we need Jesus, His ever present help.

Why we need the Holy Spirit’s whisper, reminding us of the Bible’s truth.

Only with our continual trust in God can we even hope to thwart the enemy’s plans for us.

One weapon we have is to memorize scripture.

Paste a special one somewhere you’ll see it often.

Continually remind your brain of Who made you. Of Whose image you bear. Of Who loves you.

Let’s try it for a second.

Think about how bad someone recently made you feel.

Feel your mood start to shift downward?

Now confidently speak these words to your brain: You are God’s temple and God’s Spirit dwells in you (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Picture yourself standing tall alongside Jesus, His crown on your head.

Picture yourself standing at the cross, Jesus looking at you, dying just for you.

Picture Jesus standing in front of you as you walk into a tricky situation.

You are protected, loved, and safe.

You are chosen.

The next time you begin to fall back into your poor me, even deserving of the attitude self, picture yourself seated in the high places with Jesus.

He chose you for this time.

He is for you, not against you.

With the Creator of the entire universe by your side, absolutely nothing else matters.

Walking in this world will only last for a short time, when compared to all eternity.

Why let others bring you down?

It’s not worth it.

You’re certainly worth more.

God says so.

Photos by Tim Mossholder, NEOM, & Adam Davis on Unsplash

Faithful in Little Things

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Picture me, my little girl self, about four or five years old.

Hair curled, dress smoothed, hands in my lap listening to my sunday school lesson.

The offering is passed and I reach into my pocket for all of my change.

It’s not much, doesn’t even equal $1.00, but it’s all I have.

I brought it especially for today.

For today’s offering.

Looking back, I cannot remember what it was for, but I’m sure it was for a very good cause.

Anyhow, I cheerfully place all of my change into the offering basket.

A huge grin breaks out onto my face as I hear my change clink against the other coins.

Thinking nothing of it afterwards, a new day dawns.

I put on my big fluffy coat, zipping it all the way up.

Reaching into my pocket, I pull out an entire dollar bill.

“How did this get here?” I ask myself. “Where is this from?”

Suddenly, I recognize I have more now than I did before I gave away all my change.

I am amazed.

Like, for real.

Isn’t it interesting how some memories stand out from years ago?

They stand out from the others. Crystal clear.

I think it’s all part of God’s plan.

We need to remember glimpses of His faithfulness.

His provision.

Proof He sees us. All of us.

He watches over us, smiling when we give our last penny, grinning when we find our new treasure.

God loves to bless us when we give Him our all.

And if you look back, noticing how good He has been to you, you’ll break out in your own smile today.

Every little detail is inspected by God.

Because of this, you can trust Him for your now and your future.

Even if it seems dark, lonely, or sad, your God sees you.

He covers you with His protection and kindness, as He notices every little detail.

Photos by Igor Kyryliuk & Tetiana Kravchenko, Jack B, Luke Porter, & Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

Hugged by God

Published on by amylinnea3 Comments

And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them. Mark 10:16

Have you ever felt a hug from God? You know, a big bear hug?

Or maybe a little squeeze?

I have.

In fact He gave me a huge hug on Sunday.

How? It was through all the people filtering through my book sale.

The line was so long. And I was afraid nobody would show up!

Their words were so kind. Generous. Made me blush!

One mentioned I am a faithful servant, sharing what God has on my heart.

Another couldn’t get over how beautiful the book was.

Still more were so tickled I signed their books.

Me. Little ole me.

Years ago, God asked me to record His thoughts for our broken world.

I obeyed.

Fast forward two years ago and my publisher knocked on my door.

Producing the book was my second job for awhile, yet I knew God’s purpose was behind it.

Sitting in my house early summer, I also knew I should host a book launch party.

The thought almost terrified me. Me?

Deepest fears emerged such as what if I’m there all by myself?

But I obeyed. Again.

When we obey God again and again, He patiently shows us the way.

Then He shows up, doing what He does.

When folks stood in my book line, I shouldn’t have been the least bit surprised.

God is like that, isn’t He?

He asks us to do something. We obey, and He shows up. Big time.

It’s always been God’s blog.

And now it’s God’s book.

While it’s absolutely not about me at all, He chose me to be one of His vessels.

And I chose to obey.

On Sunday I felt wrapped in a big hug from God.

Like He was saying, “Great job, Amy!”

God is generous with His hugs. He longs to cover us with His peace, joy, and love.

How can you choose to obey God today?

Choose Him and obey. Then sit back for that big ole hug.

When you abide in His will, His peace will remain, wrapping you in His precious hug.

Photos by Joice Kelly, Rajesh Rajput, & Elijah Hiett on Unsplash

Casting Vision

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

I pray the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power, and dominion. Ephesians 1:18-22

How do you see valleys in your life?

How do you view circumstances you wish were different?

Strained relationships you wish were closer?

Undelivered dreams or plans you thought were from God?

What if you reread Ephesians 1, applying it to your situation?

God has great plans for us.

Often we cannot see what they are, but Ephesians reminds us God has called us to a great hope.

To the riches of His inheritance to us.

And to dwell within His great power, which raised Jesus back to life.

What if you looked at the broken things in your life in light of God’s power?

Viewing them instead with eyes of hope, promise, and life?

Within our flesh, things can look pretty grim.

And sometimes they continue in that way, but God is always sovereign over all.

But – if you looked instead with heavenly eyes, circumstances and people would look different.

Human reasoning or God’s miraculous power?

Begin to live from the power God has for us.

See relationships healed with God’s strength.

Smile at the future knowing God is in complete control.

Look past your current circumstances, looking forward instead to what God has for you.

Walk with your head high as you contemplate God’s victory instead of casting your eyes downward in defeat.

Yes, God is over everything with complete control.

Yes, we don’t know what He plans with every little thing.

But you can rest assured He wants good things for us, His children.

Good things in our flesh may not always match up with the good He has for us.

But it doesn’t matter.

Because God is with us always.

He goes before us, behind us, and next to us, surrounding us with His peace, strength, and love.

Cast your vision on God’s hope, inheritance, and power.

As His voice becomes louder within, you’ll see life brighter and brighter, royally disappointing the devil along the way.

So instead of shrinking with fear, rejection, and lies, choose instead to shine with God’s hope and infinite power living inside of you.

Photos by Ran Berkovich, Denys Nevozhai, Bud Helisson, & Joel Muniz on Unsplash

Worshipping Even If

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

We’re all so different.

Different in personalities, the way our bodies work, and our priorities.

While singing in church last Sunday, I observed three distinct differences.

The congregation rose to worship. All but the man in front of me. Why?

The man in front of me was distracted.

He instead was sitting, reading and typing on his phone’s screen.

Not worshipping at all.

A few rows up, another man stood to worship.

Clapping in time with the music, I noticed his clap was different.

One of his arms was useless. Literally.

Yet he was clapping the best way he could by using his arm and his good hand.

He was engaged, giving his best to our Lord.

Near the alter was a third man.

His mind is not whole like mine, yet he is very sincere and kind.

He was worshipping as he knelt, arms spread wide in submission to God.

Three men. Three different responses. Two engaged, one not.

The man sitting on his phone was missing out.

Funny thing is this: he looked “normal” on the outside.

Normal body. Normal mind.

The two men engaged in worship had something “wrong” with their physical body.

But their focus was on God.

The absence of conflict creates complacency.

When our bodies function, our minds work, and we sit in relative comfort, it’s easy to rely on ourselves.

Why would we need God?

But when life isn’t perfect, or causes us to say ouch, back we rely on Him and His provision.

Let’s keep our focus fixed on God, in good times and bad.

Let’s fully rely on Him, instead of our incapable selves.

Let’s follow the example of the men, who embraced worshipping God, no matter what.

My book releases on Tuesday. Epic event in the short life of me.

But I’m like the men who have something “wrong”.

My life has not been what I pictured.

But I’d rather have my scars, because I can witness to you the faithfulness of God.

Because of the choices of others, I can testify of the goodness of God even if.

Even if life sometimes says ouch, God is still sovereign. Good. He’s the calm amidst the storm.

Our testimonies are richer when we walk with God during life’s storms.

Just like the men who chose to worship even though they looked different, let’s also choose to worship God when life looks different.

God is and was and always will be on the throne of life. Embrace Him always with yours.

Photos by Zac Durant, Guillaume de Germain, Joel Muniz, Ben White, Stephanie Klepacki, & Luis Alberto Sánchez Terrones on Unsplash

Looking Glass

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Ever look back at life, admiring it’s beauty?

Memories in the past can look perfect.

Our brains usually remember only the good.

In fact, often we glorify it. Our memories can even become glamorized to the point of embellishment.

At least they do when you compare yourself to today.

Grass was greener, yes?

Actually, it was full of weeds, too, just different kinds.

You complained back then, too, you just don’t remember.

Instead of comparing yesterday to today, concentrate on the good with both.

Yes, back then I had the snuggles of little ones, but now I have friendship.

Back then I looked forward to a few moments of peace and quiet.

Now I wish they’d come over more often.

Be happy with wherever you are in this short life.

Remember with fondness your yesterdays, but smile at your todays.

And as you anticipate your tomorrows, place all of your hope in God.

He will walk with you through it all.

The good, the bad, and even the ugly.

Photos by Ryan Parker, Alfonso Scarpa, Fred Moon, & il vano on Unsplash

Order Your Steps

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way. Psalm 37:23

I was deeply reminded the other day of how God holds everything in His hands.

Yes, He gives us free choice, but He is ultimately in charge.

Of everything.

He allowed Adam and Eve to sin.

And us, too.

Because we sin, we become separated from God, who is holy.

Yet He always provides a way back to Him.

When we choose Him, He’ll even walk alongside us. If we’ll let Him.

Imagine that. Allowing God, who created all things, to walk beside us.

As if it should ever be our choice. But it is.

He desperately wants us, but on His terms – which is for us to freely choose Him.

No bullying or taking against our will.

Even Paul, I mean Saul, when he encountered God.

Paul could have chosen to say no to God.

He would’ve been blind the rest of his life, but he had a choice.

This brings me back to us.

Daily submitting and really giving everything to God.

All things.

Teeny tiny things like parking spots, ugly hair, or stubborn pounds.

Big huge things like wayward relationships, divorce, or death.

Everything else seems to fall in between.

Working on my book and launch party comes to mind.

God literally handed it to me through His faithfulness and mine.

But little anxious worrying thoughts have been popping into my mind.

Honestly, they’ve had the ability to take over, making me question my course.

But then God whispers into my ear, “Why are you even bothered about that? Remember My faithfulness, which will never run out. I’ve cleared My path for you. As you continue to walk with Me, I’ll have your back. Forever.”

That’s for you, too. Stop worrying. Like ever.

Worrying removes your focus from God’s truth, which is this: He will never leave us or forsake us.

He’s got big plans for all of us.

Allow Him to use you and enjoy letting Him take care of the details.

Because He holds everything, including you, in His capable hands.

Here is my video link from my interview yesterday! https://www.youtube.com/live/fxviofHPs2E?feature=share

Remembering His Faithfulness

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Psalm 77:11-12

Do you remember?

Do you ponder all God has done for you?

All He has done for others?

Better yet, do you keep a record?

A journal of all His faithfulness?

I have one. It’s not great as I admittedly forget to write things down. Regularly.

But I’m going to get better. Way better.

One could write volumes each day, couldn’t we?

If only we could see what God sees.

What He protects us from.

What our prayers do in heaven.

What plans He has for us.

How near each day He really is to us.

We’d be in utter awe.

Jaw on the ground type thing.

Psalm 77 begins with crying out to the Lord.

He is troubled. So troubled he cannot speak.

His mind works, though. Sound familiar?

He begins to ask himself if God’s steadfast love has forever ceased?

He then sets his mind on God.

He decides to focus on God instead of his present misery.

On God’s promises and faithfulness.

He determines to remember and ponder what God has faithfully done for him and others.

He reminds himself God was always there, going before. Preparing the way.

While we cannot see God’s literal footprints, imagine them.

Picture God walking with you, sitting with you, watching over you while you slumber.

God wants to be your first thought when you wake and your last before you sleep.

If we had a glimpse into the spiritual realm, we’d never have anything before God. Ever.

God’s authority is here. As a Christian, live within His sovereign authority.

Ask Him for eyes to see all He does for you.

And choose to remember God’s faithfulness to you today and always.

That reminds me of my book.

Yes, I wrote a book. So excited!!!

Actually, God wrote a book for me. It’s a DAILY devotional for women taken straight from my blogs. 365 devotions. WOW, right?

It’s called Trusting God with Every Breath. Subtitle of my blog.

It’s a tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness to me. Written evidence. Now that I think about it, I do record His faithfulness.

Book is due September 5th. Hard to believe, although I’ve been working on it for over a year now. So much work, but so rewarding!

Anyhow, God is good. Even in the times of “if”, He still is. He’s got you and He’s got me. What more could we ever need?

Photos by Gui França, Naassom Azevedo, Jonathan Borba, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

——————————————————————————————————

My book! 🙂

Preorder on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Trusting-God-Every-Breath-Devotions/dp/1424566142/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=trusting+god+with+every+breath&qid=1689979878&sr=8-1

Local? Having a launch party on 9.10 @ Stories Coffee on 114/Davenport from 1-3! See you there!

Rebuilding

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

But now, I will heal and mend them. I will make them whole and bless them with an abundance of peace and security. Jeremiah 33:6

It was an incredibly beautiful picture.

Stunning, in fact.

Worth millions.

One day, cracks appeared.

Before you knew it, the picture literally crumbled.

Shattered into a million little pieces.

God allowed it to break.

Your picture. The priceless one.

But when He allows it to break, He doesn’t leave it in a pile of mismatched pieces.

Nope. He helps you put it back together.

Will it look the same? Nope.

Can’t.

But God, through His mercy and grace, has an even better picture for you.

Might take awhile. But rest as it’s all in God’s perfect timing.

Jeremiah reminds us God will make us whole.

And He will do it.

As He builds your new picture, some of the old pieces will fit. Others won’t.

It’s not your job to fashion, as He holds the directions.

He knows. All you have to do is sit back, allowing Him to use whatever tool He deems necessary.

Might be messy. In fact, it will be.

Very messy.

There will be times when you don’t understand the way He is rebuilding your picture.

You might even question it.

But don’t give up.

Don’t walk away with an unfinished picture.

Trust Him fully as He is the only one who can rebuild your picture absolutely perfectly.

He knows where each piece fits.

And He’s got new pieces, too.

The pieces He allows to stay will shine brightly as they have been touched by the hand of God.

Healed by His precious peace.

So keep going. Keep holding out your future to His capable hands.

Bring everything to His feet and He will rebuild your picture so it looks just right.

And you’ll love it, I promise.

Photos by Brigitta Schneiter, sarandy westfall, pine watt, Mauricio Sabino, & Olivia Snow on Unsplash

Your Place

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

How do you see you?

Before you gaze into the mirror, what do you know you will see?

Automatically judge yourself?

Don’t measure up? To what?

What’s the measure? Goal?

It’s never enough. You know that, right?

As soon as you measure up, the stick moves.

Always higher. Never done.

But how does God see you?

As His beloved. He sees you covered in His righteousness.

There is nothing you can do to earn His love.

Nothing you can do to have less of it either.

Look at yourself again.

Notice your strength.

Your faith. Your peace.

It’s all from God.

When you look, do you see God?

As a child of God, we are made in His image.

He created you perfectly.

As you keep surrendering to Him, His light will shine brighter and brighter through you.

As you live from the tree of life, your reflection will mirror His.

You are chosen.

Loved.

Valued.

Secure.

See God at work in yourself.

See God’s protection covering you.

See your value as God’s beloved.

See and know your place as His truth.

And then believe.

Photos by Ethan Robertson, Raphaël Biscaldi, & Unsplash Photo by Vicko Mozara on Unsplash

No Dominion

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:12-14

Did you catch that?

Sin will have NO dominion over you. Why? Because we are not under the law, but God’s grace.

We are no longer under the law because of Jesus’ payment on the cross for our many sins.

God’s grace covers us, removing the burden of our sin.

But Paul starts this passage with a warning: don’t let sin reign, or have control, in your body here on earth.

He recognizes we all have choices.

Hundreds of times each day, we choose whether to sin or not.

We often obey the passions or wants of our flesh even if they don’t line up with God.

But we don’t have to obey our flesh as sin has no power over us.

God’s power is bigger then the pull of our flesh which leads to sin.

When we choose to sin, we step out of grace.

We step out of what God has for us. What He wants for us, which is way better then what we want.

But when we repent, choosing instead to obey God, we step back into His grace.

We step back into what He has for us.

Recognize your choices.

Purpose to choose life each day.

It’s often incredibly hard as the pull of our fleshly desires is strong.

But sin has no dominion over us because of Jesus.

Live under Jesus’ power and authority over sin, death, and the grave in your life.

He’s your constant Protector, always ready to help when you simply choose Him over all else.

Photos by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

Allowing Afflictions

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. Psalm 119:71

Are you happy when God allows affliction?

Do you see it is good?

We know God is in control and always has your very best interest in His mind.

When He allows affliction, we learn so much more.

Right?

We learn absolute trust in God when our life falls apart.

We learn to seek His wisdom when nothing makes earthly sense anymore.

And we remember Whose we are when rejected by those we love.

Yes, you can argue, we can know these things during the mountain tops of life.

And I would agree with you.

But in the valley, we need God.

We need God unlike anything else.

We depend upon God in the valley when we cannot see the next step.

We listen for His voice in the valley as confusion seeks to keep us down.

And we cling to His arm, guiding us safely through the storm.

God in His goodness allows afflictions so we may know Him deeper.

Keep trusting Him in the storm as you are merely between miracles.

The sun will soon come out and you’ll walk out holding a deeper relationship with God.

Totally worth it even when it hurts.

Photos by Anthony Tran, Олександр К, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Battle Scars

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

Scars are inevitable, yes?

You burn your finger age three and the new skin still looks off.

You scrape up your knee pretty badly and if you look close, it’s there.

Your sibling unknowingly slams your two year old pinky in the wooden door and twenty years later, the finger is still shorter.

You survive brain surgery only to have your hand burned from the leaking IV, requiring a skin transfusion.

You have a baby. Or four. Enough said!

What other types of physical scars do you have?

They could be permanent like the ones above.

Or they slowly fade when healed such as a bruise, blackened eye, or sprained ankle.

All of those scars are physical. Seen by everyone who looks.

But what about the hidden scars?

The ones on the inside of our hearts and minds?

Those matter too, but are not readily seen by everyone who looks.

Trauma produces scars.

Losing a spouse, friend, child, or parent produces scars.

Rejection either real or imaginative we repeat within our minds produces scars.

Even losing a job or custody battle produces scars.

As we all have various physical or hidden scars, let me ask you a question.

Do you let them define you?

When you do, it produces boundaries, placing you in a prison of sorts.

Do you allow the boundaries then produced define your steps, mood, or even thoughts?

Psalm 147 reminds us Jesus heals the brokenhearted. The hidden scars.

And He also binds up our wounds. The physical scars.

Don’t allow your scars to define you.

Jesus is our healer, wanting to bring you into freedom from bondage.

Allow Him to change your scars into the marks of Jesus Himself.

Allow Him to reveal His grace and love while closing your wounds.

You might still have the mark, but when touched, you will no longer wince in pain.

Galatians 6:17 declares, From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus.

Ask Jesus to heal your scars.

And then live within His freedom from the pain.

Your marks are now badges of honor, touched and healed by Jesus.

Photos by National Cancer Institute, Diana Polekhina, & Olivia Snow on Unsplash

More Than Able

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 4:20-21

Are you ready for God to work in your life?

He is.

He is more than ready.

Are you?

Are you willing to put in the work?

Meaning, set yourself aside so God can use you?

You might say yes, but do you understand the cost?

It could cost relationships that are dear to you.

It could bring you confusion at times when you fail to understand His plans.

And it could cost you your very life.

But God is able to do more than we could ever possibly think or imagine.

Imagine allowing Him to use you as He sees fit.

He has great plans for you.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God’s perfect peace surrounds you when you are within His will.

When you suspend your personal desires for God’s instead.

His plans for you might include simply loving others who utterly dislike your existence.

You can remain peaceful, simply loving, not retorting anger for anger.

Or He might have you react in a kind way when every fiber of your being screams for justice.

God is more than able to provide you the strength only He can to fulfill the plans He has for you.

Big or small, the plans He has for you are so good.

Allow Him full access knowing He is able to do far more than we could possibly imagine.

Apart from God, we are one thing.

But working together with Him is another matter entirely.

Choose Him afresh.

Place your little life into His capable hands.

React how He wants you to react.

Love how He wants you to love.

And live how He wants you to live.

To Him be the glory for ever and ever, amen.

Photos by Marivi Pazos & Margaret Jaszowska on Unsplash

Becoming God’s Witness

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

Why are you still participating with fear?

Why are you still choosing to partner without God?

God has overcome ALL things.

Fear. Anxiety. Bitterness.

Inferiority. Depression.

Everything.

God is above everything.

He created You in His image.

When Jesus came to die for our sins, we were given the opportunity for relationship with God Almighty.

Because God is above everything, He is above fear.

He is above anxiety.

He is above it all. Everything.

As God’s child, you are above everything, too, with God’s power running through your whole self.

The Bible reminds us the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.

Absolutely incredible.

Fear is nothing to God.

Anxiety, depression, and inferiority are mere bugs to step over.

Choose to focus on your identity in God.

As His child, you are no longer a slave to fear, anxiety, or anything not from above.

But you must choose.

When you do, your body will be healthier, because your mind will be at peace.

Fear wants to control you.

Satan wants to lie, convincing you God is not enough.

But He is. God.

He is absolutely enough and then some.

Psalm 34 reminds us He will deliver us from ALL of our fears when we seek Him.

Refuse those thoughts from the pit when they dare to enter your mind.

Send them packing, canceling their assignment with God’s truth.

Your body will be healthier.

Your mind will be peaceful.

And your smile will broadcast God’s strength to all who witness your beautiful face.

Allow Him to take over, changing your mind from fear to peace.

Allow His witness through you to guide others to His salvation.

Stand tall with God’s strength.

And become His witness.

Photos by M.T ElGassier, Guilherme Stecanella, & Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash

Remembered No More

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. Isaiah 65:17

As God’s beloved, He renews you.

Renews your mind.

Your thoughts.

Your new self covered under His salvation.

God wants you to live within His freedom from your previous ways of thinking.

The untruths you held dear.

The inadequacy that gripped you.

The fears that wouldn’t let go.

When a thought pops into your mind, do you immediately believe it?

If it tears you down feeling worthless, it’s not God.

God will gently bring you into freedom.

He only wants the best for you, so as you embrace His freedom, you’ll feel better and better.

Science shows us brain pathways can be retrained.

But you must cut the ties with your former ways of thinking.

Your former ways of thinking apart from God.

Cutting your connection with the untruth means you don’t think about it like you used to.

When an old nasty thought pops into your brain, you declare God’s truth instead.

If you’ve suffered from negativity, you begin to thank God for His goodness.

You look for it. Search for it, proclaiming He is good.

If you’ve suffered from fear, you thank God for His protection.

You remind yourself how perfectly safe you are under His wings.

If you’ve suffered from loneliness, thank God for His companionship.

You begin to list all the ways God sees you and knows you.

Start today.

As Isaiah reminds us, the former things will be remembered no more or even come to mind.

Declare the lies you previously believed gone.

The fear previously holding you gone.

Your mind is pure, covered in God’s truth.

Renewed.

Walk in the freedom God has already provided you.

You are a new creation, inside and out.

As you replace the old thoughts with God’s truth, your brain will remember them no more.

Photos by Mike Tinnion, Priscilla Du Preez, &Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

Dwelling Forever with God

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that I will seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. Psalm 27:4

There is only one thing that truly matters.

Only one thing.

To dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

My days here on earth and forever in heaven with Him.

On earth, the Lord resides within your heart, attending your every moment.

Dwelling with Him means you actively pursue what He wants for you, not your own selfish desires.

It’s incredibly hard to maintain. On your own strength.

But that’s the point. You can with God working through you.

You can and you will if you submit yourself to Him, each and every day, dwelling with Him.

Forever dwelling with the Lord equals forever in heaven with Him.

Can you even imagine forever separation from God?

There’s nothing worse. Absolutely nothing.

The only thing that truly matters is to live forever with God.

Living within that perspective shifts our daily issues, choices and living to focus instead on God.

Seeking after God puts life into perspective.

You shine, knowing there’s a bigger purpose for your ways.

You smile, knowing God sees you and will guide your every step.

Remember your purpose, allowing not the cares of this world to stifle your precious joy in Him.

Photos by IONUT NEDELEA, Annie Spratt, Anita Austvika, & S&B Vonlanthen on Unsplash

Hannah’s Submission

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

There is none holy like the Lord; for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2

Hannah proclaimed these words from her lips as she gave up her child back to God.

Her long-awaited child. The child who she longed to have.

She had made a promise to God to give him back.

Was she despondent? Or at least grieving?

Probably. But her lips declared the glory of God.

His holiness. His sovereignty. His steadfastness.

Hannah’s trust in God was more than her desire for earthly pleasures.

In her case, the continued joy of motherhood.

Hannah cared more about her promise to God than the cries of her flesh.

She chose God.

What about you?

What in your life do you need to trust God more fully?

What has God asked of you, yet you ignore, succumbing to your flesh instead?

God is holy. He is omniscient. He is above all things. And He is your rock.

What could be better than that?

Nothing this world offers, I guarantee you.

Remember Hannah’s words.

Lift up your praise to God, who deserves nothing less.

And as you choose His will over yours, He will faithfully fulfill His promises to you.

Guaranteed.

Photos by Liv Bruce, Thandy Yung, Xavier Mouton Photographie, & Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash

Turn Your Eyes

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Proverbs 4:25

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.

What else in the world is there?

What could possibly compare to Him?

Look full in His wonderful face.

Gaze your eyes.

Stop everything else, and look.

For the things of earth will grow strongly dim.

Everything else will fade in comparison to the One who created You and all things.

As my grandmother used to say, “From the balcony of heaven, what will it even matter?”

For in the light of His glory and grace, these things simply won’t matter one bit.

Why do earthly things grow dim?

Because of Him.

His power, His glory, and His grace above all.

God created everything.

He reigns over it ALL.

So, we must turn our eyes upon Him, Jesus.

Because He is our everything.

When you allow your mind to settle on things out of your control, people who do not care, or circumstances you wish would change, peace will leave as fear is invited to stay.

As Proverbs reminds us, focus yourself on Jesus. Leave no room to divert your eyes from Him.

Means you will purpose your mind to focus on Jesus and His truth.

You will focus on His love, protection, and provision for each and every little thing.

Focusing on Jesus means you trust in Him fully.

For your everything, today and tomorrow.

Focus on Jesus, the Author of your story, whose steadfast love and faithful presence will remain with you now and always.

Photos by Anita Austvika on Unsplash

John 10:4

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

When He has brought out all His own, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice. John 10:4

When we place our lives into God’s hands, He guides us.

We trust Him and in return, He guides us step by step.

Can be comforting when you realize Who is now in control.

Even when He leads you into the dark.

When God guides us into an ugly part of life, what do you think He feels?

Does God seek to cause us pain?

Does He enjoy watching us suffer?

Absolutely not.

It pains God to see us suffer.

But He sees the bigger picture, even when we do not.

He knows what must be endured in order to gain victory.

He knows we must walk through certain things life throws at us.

But when we trust Him through these times, God’s peace remains.

Trusting God in the dark is difficult, but we have help.

Romans 8:34 reminds us that Jesus, too, intercedes on our behalf.

Incredible.

God is Sovereign.

He was in our past, remains in our present, and will always abide with us in our future.

He knows absolutely all things.

As our Father, He blesses us, sometimes allowing pain, knowing the path we must face.

But He is always with us no matter what meets us.

Imagine.

God, who created ALL things, walks with us each and every day.

He longs to know you.

To be your all in all.

As you walk, run, or crawl through life’s days, remember to take His hand.

He will squeeze it with comfort on those ugly days.

And He will grasp it with joy on the beautiful days.

And all the ordinary days in between, He will remain Your most faithful friend.

So cry with God when you have hard times.

And let Him rejoice with you when things are amazing.

Trust Him as He brings you out, guiding you with Himself.

For when you trust Him, you are His sheep, guided by His voice as He goes before you every step.

Photos by Sam Carter, Michelle McEwen, Joe Green, City Church Christchurch, & Mitchell Orr on Unsplash

Warsaw Grit

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8

Recently finished a book one of my daughters gave me for Christmas.

Love WW2 historical fiction as it draws me into a time where heroes multiply.

Reading about Dr. Korczak, a teacher who ran his orphanage full of parentless children, was touching to say the least.

While in the ghetto, he began working with another hero Irena Sendler, a Warsaw woman who saved over 2,500 children during the war.

Reading about Irena made me smile as I had just finished a book about her.

I love it when books talk about each other.

Dr. Korczak had to move his orphanage into the Warsaw ghetto, a small section of the city authorities forcefully moved all Jews.

Who was working to smuggle children to freedom?

Irena. The two met regularly, working to save those they could.

Dr. Korczak’s book ends with soldiers marching his orphaned children down the street into the waiting train cars.

He would not leave them.

They needed him. Even unto death.

As they left, he encouraged singing, one boy playing his violin as they emptied the streets of their voices.

Irena saw him go and wept.

While reading Irena’s book, she described the child’s parade out of the ghetto. Extremely moving.

I thought to myself, what an example of pure love.

Dr. Korczak had multiple opportunities to escape the ghetto, forging a new life for himself with a new identity.

But he refused to leave.

He refused to leave his family. His children who counted on him.

They were his family.

While he was unmarried and without natural children, he was a father to hundreds.

A hero.

The love he exhibited was so deep, it touched the hearts of everyone around him.

But you know what? God loves you even more than that.

From the day you were born, He continues to smile at you.

He weeps when you weep.

And He smiles when you smile.

God sees you. The whole you and He loves you so very much.

Creating you for such good things, do you trust Him for your everything?

Release your future into His hands.

Rest in the knowledge that He holds your today, your yesterday, and all of your tomorrows.

Just like Dr. Korczak led his children in good times and bad, God will go to the ends of all the world with you.

Because He loves you just as you are.

Photos by Sixteen Miles Out, Anita Austvika, Piron Guillaume, Andrew Yurkiv, & Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

Stealing Your Joy

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4

Why is it that blessings are often overshadowed by disappointment?

You can look at a field full of flowers but instead feel sour thinking of what didn’t transpire.

Of who disappointed you.

Why do we react like that?

Why does our flesh tend to focus on the bad while in the midst of the good?

It can even be rightly justified disappointment. Like the real deal.

I can give you an example.

Recently celebrated my birthday. It was a big one.

Some of the kids celebrated, some did not.

My husband celebrated me.

My mother and in-laws celebrated me.

My friends and even my school children celebrated me, belting out an impromptu happy birthday song first thing when they arrived at school.

So why did my focus choose the disappointments?

I really don’t know. But I do know this. No more.

Let’s concentrate on those who love us.

Let’s focus on the blessings we enjoy instead of the disappointments we mourn.

We cannot change others, so let’s not let the limitations of others steal your joy.

As my grandmother used to say, from the balcony of heaven, will it matter?

I choose to rejoice in the Lord, always. Even if.

Join me?

Photos by Adi Goldstein, Deva Williamson, Jess Bailey, & Lan Gao on Unsplash

Boasting in Weakness

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you. for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Ever thanked God for your temptations or weaknesses?

For how you are tempted to sin?

There are many ways we can be tempted in our flesh.

Eating too much, addictions to sugar, alcohol, drugs, or technology.

Reacting in anger, putting others down, or thinking of ourselves always first.

Even wanting to do the right thing, whatever it may be, but instead listening to our flesh, following it instead.

What are your temptations or your weaknesses?

Have you thanked God for them?

Thanked God for being weak?

I know, sounds foreign. Almost like why would I thank God for where I am weak?

When you thank God, you recognize your need for His power through you.

You recognize your need for His strength covering your weakness with His power.

Your need for not only God’s saving grace, but His every day grace transforming you into your new person God created you to become.

When you thank God, you allow His power to shine through your weakness as resisting your temptation is possible through God alone.

2 Corinthians reminds us to boast in our weakness. To recognize them positively.

Because God shines through our weakness, making us strong.

If you had everything all together, all your ducks in a row, why would you need God?

Why would you need to rely on His strength?

You wouldn’t. You’d be fine on your own. You’d never admit your need for a Savior.

We are human. Flawed. Weak.

But when we submit our weak selves unto Almighty God, we are transformed, slowly, into His likeness.

Thank Him today for your flaws. For where you are weak. When temptation knocks at your door.

Then respond with God’s strength. He’ll shut the door for you.

And you’ll rest peacefully, knowing you don’t have to do it all.

Knowing you can’t do it all.

But God can and He will.

Photos by Ýlona María Rybka, Debby Hudson, Ales Maze, & Miglena Georgieva on Unsplash