Faithfulness – Page 5

Longing

Published on November 7, 2020June 13, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! Psalm 20:4

What is the longing of your heart?

The deep down longing?

To win the lottery?

To get married?

To make it through the day?

How bout to know God?

To know the living God, who made ALL things?

He wants to know you.

In fact, He already does.

Inside and out.

All those ugly things you don’t like to talk about?

He already knows.

All those deep dark fears, thinking you’re really not good enough?

He knows.

He sees your future fears.

He sees your past regrets.

He sees your broken heart.

He sees everything.

And you know what?

He still loves you.

Not only that, but He longs to have a relationship with you.

Jesus longs to fill your voids, canceling your debt upon your back.

Sometimes Christians keep their burdens.

We know we are saved, but we hold onto the things we regret.

We hold onto the things we wished were different.

Bitterness.

Anger.

Fear.

Unloving.

We hold onto it all.

But guess what?

God knows it all.

Every little thing.

And He still wants you fully as you are.

Come unto Him, lay down your everything, including that secret fear you’ve held for your entire life.

Might be scary, but it’s worth it.

Know why?

Because God, who knows the beginning from the end, will take your fear and hold it for you.

He will hold it.

When He holds it, it becomes love.

Your fear becomes perfect, because God is perfect.

He rights wrongs.

He cancels sin.

He creates beauty from ashes.

What are you waiting for?

Run to Him.

Submit, and give Him EVERYTHING.

In return, He will give you His peace.

His perfect peace.

There is nothing in this world that compares.

Nothing.

Photos by Vadym Lebedych on Unsplash

Needing God

Published on October 3, 2020June 13, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

(God) who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:4-5

God, I need You.

I need Your strength.

Mine is all gone.

I need Your love for others.

Mine is all used up.

I need Your peace.

Don’t have any on my own that lasts more than a second.

I need Your love for me, too.

Mine is all gone.

I need all of You.

Because all of me is used up.

Fill me anew with You.

Cover my ugly shivering self with Your arms.

I need Your safety.

I need Your protection.

I need Your security.

I need You.

You are always faithful.

Always.

In every single thing as long as I ask You.

You’re so gracious, You also let me live in my own self if I bow to my selfishness.

But I choose You.

Totally.

Completely.

Absolutely, I choose You.

Fill me up with all of You.

Only then will I begin to hope again.

Only then will I have strength to keep going.

Only then will I be as I should.

Photos by Tony Eight Media & Ben White on Unsplash

Choosing Hope

Published on September 19, 2020September 18, 2020 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 42:5

Do you ever talk to yourself?

Talk yourself into something or out?

Ever tell yourself to buck up?

Or to stop it?

These days, when you’re talking to yourself, you can pretend you’re important, talking instead to someone on your wireless headphones.

The verses above are written by someone who is talking to himself.

Asking his very soul why he is down.

When you are down, do you ask yourself why?

Or do you already know the reason.

The Psalmist is not asking why his soul is down.

He knows why.

He is asking why he haven’t risen above the crud.

Why he is still choosing not to praise God instead.

He goes on to literally tell himself to hope in God.

He reminds himself to choose hope.

Then declares he will again praise God, reminding himself of God’s salvation.

Try it.

The next time you are down, tell yourself to hope in God.

Declare you will praise God instead.

Remind yourself of God’s perfect salvation.

Choose to focus on God, purposing to choose hope instead of despair.

It’s ok to remind yourself.

Until it becomes a habit to choose hope in God instead of despair in your situation, you’ll need to purpose yourself.

But don’t worry.

God would love to help you.

Every single time.

Photos by Lina Trochez on Unsplash

Wisdom

Published on June 13, 2020June 13, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of His saints. Proverbs 2:6-8

Isn’t it amazing the Lord simply gives wisdom to us?

From His mouth comes forth knowledge AND understanding?

God actually stores up sound wisdom for us?

You might argue we’re not exactly upright people.

Yes, but no one is perfect, except God.

The upright are those who seek God for their very lives.

I guess the question remains, do we want God’s wisdom?

I suppose if you say No, then I’d say why the heck not?

Walking with God is not stifling.

Doesn’t cramp my style in the very least.

It’s freedom.

Let’s continue.

Verse 7 shows us how God’s wisdom is an actual barrier to evil.

His wisdom protects us from poor choices, which, one could argue, could easily become evil.

Think about the recent looting.

Poor choices which have become evil.

Destruction is evil and one has the choice to participate.

Making it relevant to more, putting yourself above your spouse is a poor choice.

Do that again and again and the relationship will never be the same unless you return to God’s wisdom, asking forgiveness of the one you love.

How many hundreds of choices do you make on a daily basis?

Too many to count.

So many opportunities to walk under God’s protection using His wisdom.

And so many chances to step out from His umbrella, choosing instead to follow the flesh.

Stand with me under the shelter of Almighty God.

Proverbs 2:8 closes with reminding us how God guards and watches over the ways of His saints.

Doesn’t mean we won’t have trials or pain.

But standing under God’s umbrella, His wisdom will guide us, inviting the very peace of God.

Photos by Marionel Luciano, Wilhelm Gunkel, Joyce McCown, and Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

Sin is Sin

Published on May 2, 2020June 11, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. James 1:14-15

When you think about what Jesus died for…

All that He died for, what do you think about?

Big bad sins?

Like cold blood murder?

Armed robbery?

Abortion?

Drunkenness?

Or smaller sins?

Like selfishness?

Snide remarks?

Envy or jealously?

Or, gulp, pride?

The Bible says a sin is a sin.

Meaning, all sins are equal before God as they are all not from Him.

In fact, sin is the opposite of His holiness.

Sometimes we think we don’t need God as much as that guy over there.

The guy who committed the bigger sin.

Once we think that, our pride sins and once again, we need the forgiveness of God.

When Jesus died for our sins, OUR sins, He died for all of them.

Big or small.

One or many.

Daily or even more often.

Jesus died for our choices.

He died for us.

Photos by Michel Paz, Aaron Burden, & Ben White on Unsplash

God’s Provision

Published on March 28, 2020June 11, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:26-27

Thought I’d remind us of God’s provision today.

His provision of earthly needs like TP, food, water.

His provision of spiritual needs like forgiveness and grace.

And His ultimate authority over the devil.

And also His provision of emotional needs like comfort and peace.

God’s storehouses are always filled to overflowing.

His power knows no bounds.

Even for our physical needs?

Yep.

Remember the Isrealites?

He fed them in the desert.

Every day.

He knows your every need. Even your physical ones.

Funny story: yes, I’m still stuck on finding toilet paper.

Where is it all, I still beg to know?

Recently, my son, who lives on his own, was over for lunch.

Said he was down to his last roll of TP.

Discovered my mother was rationing as well.

My daughter calls, says a pallet of TP has literally just been unwrapped on the floor of the store.

Immediately, we jump into the car and run into the store, locating our mystified treasure.

Sure enough, there’s some.

Not a ton, maybe 50 packages.

My son, husband and I each grab one.

Score!

Literally feel as if we have won the lottery.

We deliver one to my folks, not getting too close, of course.

They are truly grateful.

And so is my son.

Have I seen any more TP in the stores since then?

Nope.

Still don’t know where it all has gone.

But when my son and parents needed it, God delivered.

Shouldn’t be surprising.

God sees you.

He sees your every need.

And He’s got it.

He’s more than enough to cover you emotionally.

He’s more than enough to cover you spiritually.

And He’s more than enough to cover you physically.

Keep trusting Him for enough.

Because He is.

He is enough.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

Photos by Claudiu Hegedus, Markus Spiske, Will Bolding, & Guido Jansen on Unsplash

Definition of Fear

Published on March 21, 2020June 11, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. Psalm 56:3

Fear is the absence of peace.

Fear is behind the desire for mortal knowledge when the world offers none.

Fear is the belief that God is not enough.

That God is not here.

Fear showcases our deepest fears.

Fear brings us to our knees.

Fear paralyzes our next move, hijacks our thoughts.

Fear wraps us tightly into bondage.

Sounds horrid, yet we often choose fear, inviting it to stay.

If you are reading this today, you are living in the midst of our society’s fear.

The fear of the dreaded killer virus COVID-19.

Fear of the economy taking a nose dive, taking your 401k with it.

Fear of losing your job or income whether short or long term.

Fear of running into someone less than 6 feet away.

Fear of running out of food or, gasp, toilet paper.

In this life, God has given us choice.

We may choose to believe the truth or not.

We may choose to believe His very Word or not.

Psalm 56:3 says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.”

When I am wrapped up in fear, I choose to unwrap, and decided instead to wrap myself in Your peace.

In Your presence.

In You, the absence of fear.

Photos by Laurene Gicquel, Kelly Sikkema, Jon Tyson, & Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Expectations

Published on February 22, 2020June 11, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11

Why live with chips?

Not talking about the potato or tortilla kind.

Chips on your shoulders.

Offense.

Irritation.

Failed expectations of life or others.

Why carry those around?

Shedding doom and gloom with every step?

Because you have a right.

You were wronged.

According to your expectation, you need some sort of justice.

And you’ll keep that chip on your shoulder until your wrong has been righted.

At least that’s what you think.

Is your wrong justified?

Maybe.

Possibly even definately.

But don’t move your unmet expectations into sin.

Because then YOU’RE in the wrong.

Sinning while offended looks like many things.

Silent treatment.

Snarky comments.

Eye rolling.

Refusing to participate in activities.

Withdrawing.

Or full fledged anger.

Those, my friends, are sin.

When you are wronged, your expectations are at fault.

If someone failed to meet your expected needs, forgive.

If someone forgets an important date, forgive.

If heated words are offered in exchange for your questions, forgive.

When you allow God to free you from keeping the offense, you are set free.

Literally.

The feeling of freedom far surpasses the prison of someone’s offense.

Live within the forgivness of God.

Extend your grace from God to others.

Ask God to solve your situations of doubt.

Instead of living in fantasy land of perfectly fulfilled expectations, live in the grace of God.

Aligning your expectations to God’s instead.

God will ALWAYS meet your expectations of Him.

And in fact, He’ll far surpass them.

Everytime.

Photos by Dawid Zawiła and Ian Schneider on Unsplash

Clinging to the Old

Published on January 18, 2020June 11, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are becoming new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Are you?

Clinging to the old?

The old meaning your self without God.

Your sinful self.

The self that feels better some of the time.

1 Corinthians 5:17 suggests, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away.”

When we become a Christian, declaring our faith in God, we become new.

Our mind, body, soul, and spirit become new in the eyes of God.

Because with God covering us, we are without spot or blemish.

Old things pass away, meaning our sins are forgiven.

But my question is this: what old ways are you still holding onto?

What comfortable sinful actions do you insist on instead of how God wants you to act?

Just because the old has passed away doesn’t mean you can’t ask for it back.

Picture a closet.

You declare your faith in God.

God replaces all your clothes with new garments.

They are perfect.

Not always comfy, but made by God just for you.

You wake up, deciding what to wear.

Since you are still irked by yesterday, the shiny new clothes almost blind you.

You instantly wish, audibly, for that ratty sweatshirt.

You blink, and see it crumpled back on your floor.

Do you wear it?

Up to you.

Your old sinful nature is wiped clean with Christ’s forgiveness.

But your old ways can and will still creep up, tempting you to wear them.

You must keep your faith in God, asking Him what to wear each day, each moment.

Should I wear faith or fear?

Anxiety or peace?

Self-pity or grace?

Fear, anxiety, and self-pity are a whole lot more comfy at times, yes?

But they make you ugly.

Ask the One who set you free to keep setting you free each and every day.

And each day you choose God and His ways, it will become easier and easier to reject your old ways.

And pretty soon, that ratty sweatshirt in the corner will disappear.

But only if you decide you want it no longer.

Photos by Jozsef Hocza, Zui Hoang, Martino Pietropoli, Patryk Sobczak, Tommaso Pecchioli, & Christian Fregnan on Unsplash

Alone No More

Published on January 11, 2020June 11, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3

She sat perched on the edge of her bed.

Deep in thought.

Lost, really.

Stuck.

Her mind wandered so easily from truth to lies, that it was all muddled together.

Nothing seemed to make much sense anymore.

Deep down, she knew the truth of who she was.

Yet, somehow, she had denied it’s truth.

Instead of allowing God’s truth to heal every inch of herself, clinging to the lies had poisoned her still.

That leads us back to the girl sitting on her bed, lost.

A Christian girl, mind you.

Someone who, from a very young age, has trusted God, knowing His truth.

Looking further into her room, there is something behind her.

A dark presence.

And it’s smiling.

Or maybe sneering.

It’s whispering into her ear, causing tears on her face to fall.

How is this possible?

Satan is sly, wanting to make all of us miserable.

Even lonely, sad girls.

While watching this unhappy scene unfold, all of a sudden, a light appeared.

A strong, warrior-like being appeared, declaring, “Enough.”

With that, the dark presence immediately fled.

The girl’s tears ceased and a tiny smile broke out upon her face.

Out loud, she whispered, “Thank you, Jesus.”

The warrior, putting His arm around her, answered her.

“You’re welcome, my child. Next time you feel anxious by a thought, identify it as a lie straight from the pit. Refuse it and speak life into your mind through My Name. And never forget how much you matter to Me. I am always a whisper away.”

Photos by Eunice Stahl, DeMorris Byrd, Michael Fenton, & Dawid Zawiła on Unsplash

Interrupting Plans

Published on December 14, 2019June 14, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

“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

Joseph and Mary had big plans.

They were simple folk with regular plans.

Get married and build a life, working hard to produce an honorable Jewish family.

Probably were going to stay in town, as folks didn’t regularly move away from their communities.

I can imagine Mary collecting recipes from her mother, gathering the skills needed to run her own household.

Joseph, too, honing his carpentry skills, collecting tools, starting on their forever house.

They had plans.

Plans that were normal, thoughtful, accepted, and logical.

Accepted.

Then God stepped in.

He changed their plans.

Radically.

Disrupted their entire future.

Joseph and Mary went from knowing how their future would proceed to trusting God with everything they had.

Went from predictable reliable plans to an unknown, scary future.

Scary, yes, because now they had no one but themselves.

And God.

Their friends probably thought they were crazy.

And their family hopefully believed them, but the Bible doesn’t record their reactions, so who really knows?

All we know is both Mary and Joseph said yes to God.

They trusted His words and each other.

They chose to walk a difficult journey because they KNEW God had ordained it.

They were confident God would be with them always.

That they were IN His plans.

And what about you?

What has God interrupted in your life?

What plans of yours has He changed?

It’s irritating, I know, when things change.

Guessing Mary and Joseph weren’t always in great moods about the whole thing.

But they kept going.

They remembered they were in God’s plan.

That God Himself was in control.

And you, too.

When God interrupts your plans, you fall back into His.

His great plans for your life.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “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.”

Like Joseph and Mary, allow God to interrupt.

Accept His perfect plan for your life.

And take comfort knowing He wants the very best for you, His child.

Photos by Alex Gindin, Roman Kraft, Luca Baggio, & Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash

Undisturbed

Published on September 28, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Peace, I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

Jesus was human.

Fully God, yet chose to be human.

There are many things we could talk about, but let’s concentrate on peace.

Jesus was the epitome of peace.

In the Bible, do you see Him distressing ever?

In the Garden of Gethsemane?

On the boat in the storm?

When Lazarus died?

Serving lunch with 4 loaves and 2 fish?

Or was it 4 fish and 2 loaves?

Doesn’t matter as it wasn’t enough for just His disciples and him!

John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Through all of that and more, Jesus was not distressed.

Not panicked.

His face was undisturbed.

Look at His face when you lack peace.

Remind yourself He is in control.

Empty yourself of inward-focus.

And focus on Him.

Focus on His undisturbed self.

If God, who created all things and knows all things, is undisturbed, why on earth are you?

Peace, be still.

Photos by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Roots

Published on September 7, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:3

How do we deeply believe in God?

What does that look like?

Picture a tree.

You are that tree.

Ok, you can be any tree you like.

Personally, I like Maple trees.

I used to collect those twirly things as a girl and sell them.

Anyhow, where are the roots of a typical healthy tree?

Underground.

Safe and secure.

Solid.

Watered from deep below the surface.

Your faith is like this tree.

Trees with deep roots withstand the blows of life easier than trees with small shallow roots, that are visible on the surface.

How do you grow your roots under your tree?

How do you deepen your faith?

Remembering His faithfulness to you.

Praying for your family and friends.

Fellowship with others who confirm His words.

Diving into His Word, taking them into your heart.

Sharing His faithfulness with others.

Singing worship to God, reminding you of His greatness.

Searching for His fingerprint.

His fingerprints are all over your life if you simply pause to look.

All of these things remind you of His faithfulness and point you towards Him.

Every time you purpose your mind on Him, your roots grow deeper.

Don’t forget to look back, proving my theory.

Think about storms big and small when you were a new Christian.

Probably fell over a few times.

Think about life now.

Yes, we fall over sometimes, but I bet you’re stronger now.

Bet you’ve had some monster storms you’ve withstood with God’s help.

But you kept your faith through them.

Oh, not perfectly, of course, but you’re still here.

You still believe despite.

Trees don’t work to grow their roots.

It happens with time and water.

And just like a tree, your faith will grow with time and water.

Time spent in faithfulness to God and water from His word, fellowship with others, and praying.

Just as a majestic tree stands solidly on the ground, towering over the earth, your faith will stand solidly on this earth, towering over fear and life absent from God.

Photos by Aaron Burden, Richard Hodonicky, Silvestri Matteo, & vision webagency on Unsplash

Today & Tomorrow

Published on August 3, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18

Ever heard the phrase “He is already there?”

Meaning, Jesus is already there.

He’s in the past.

He’s here now.

And He’s in the future.

He is already there.

Already preparing for you.

Ready and calm.

It’s comforting, but only if we believe it.

Knowing God already knows and is there comforts us, but only if that’s enough.

And it should be.

God should be enough.

His presence, love, and peace are enough.

But only if we turn ourselves off, wanting to control some part of it.

Take tomorrow for example.

Not sure what is going on, but God is already there.

And He is enough.

Worry or anxiety begin to assert themselves into our situations only when we allow ourselves to regain control.

When I thrust myself and my desires into the plan.

Invading God’s perfect plan.

Yes, God gives us desires and needs, and when those are aligned with His will and not our flesh, we will remain in peace.

But when we decide we must plan for this or that, what we are really doing is removing our trust from God.

Removing our trust.

Not a good idea.

And when we remove our trust from God, we are telling Him he is not enough.

Not enough.

God, who created ALL things is not enough.

Ok, when you spell it out that way, our anxiety does seem a bit ridiculous.

Ya think?

Remember God has your back.

He is with you yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

He is already there.

Already there waiting for you.

Keep placing your trust in Him.

Let Him walk with you each moment.

Tell Him your worries, but allow Him to solve them.

Listen after you speak.

And trust that He is enough.

Because He is.

Photos by Todd Trapani, Ruslan Zaplatin, & Perchek Industrie on Unsplash

If God Does

Published on June 25, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34

“If God puts you there, He is amply sufficient.” Oswald Chambers

Unpacking this, there is so much to see.

If God places you anywhere (and He does, because He is sovereign over all), He is completely and totally enough to cover all of your fears and anxieties, washing your mind with His peace.

Completely and totally enough to cover it all.

Even those fears you harbor deep inside.

He is enough, washing your mind with His peace.

If God places your hands to work, He is more than enough, helping you not only survive, but thrive.

If God places you at home with your less than appreciative child, His love for you will cover the gaps, filling your heart with Him.

If God places you in a hospital, caring for a loved one, His care for you will shine through your care of that loved one.

If God places you in front of a large crowd, your voice will carry His message to others, speaking to their very souls.

If God places you somewhere to stand up for His name, His strength will carry you securely onto the wings of His safety and love.

If God calls you to live without your spouse, His care for you will cover all of the holes left behind.

If God calls you to mother or father children who have grown in your heart alone, His grace will marry the lines between parent and child.

When God places you, His child, in any situation, He will be enough.

He is enough.

He will do all this and more if you place your trust in Him, wanting to mirror His likeness.

To be His hands and feet.

To shut yourself down, pouring out His life instead.

Shutting yourself down doesn’t mean you become nothing.

It’s the opposite, really.

Shutting yourself down means turning off your selfish ways and pouring out God.

God, who loves all of us so very much.

Remember Whose you are.

Remember what that means.

That when He places you in life, He is more than enough.

More than enough.

Overflowing amounts of Jesus are available you.

I’d rather have Him than anything else.

Thank you, God, for being more than enough today.

Photos by Michael Liao on Unsplash

Honor

Published on June 8, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21

Sometimes God allows something to occur we simply cannot figure out.

Something unbelievable, even in-explainable.

Take Job for instance.

He was an upstanding citizen.

He was a regular sinful man, but he was righteous before God.

Doing all the right things.

Yet, God allowed his suffering.

Nothing Job did to deserve it.

God said so.

I have a dear student whose mother just passed away.

Suddenly, without warning.

One minute laughing, the other minute silent.

She was a strong Christian.

Wife, mother of two, volunteered her life for others.

So why did God allow her sudden death?

I cannot possibly figure it out.

Like Job.

I cannot understand why God allowed Job to suffer.

Why God allows any of us to suffer.

But I do know this: God uses every situation to bring us and others closer to Him.

If we allow it.

If we don’t instead allow our selfish ways to usurp God’s path, turning instead to anger or self-pity.

But if we allow Him to work through us, eventually healing every wound.

Unfortunately, there is and will be so much unbelievable suffering in this world.

That is a given.

I think God needs some of His sheep to minister healing and peace to the pain of the world.

Not sure why He chooses some of us to have that job and not others…..

Frankly, it’s not for me to know.

God uses all situations, ugly or beautiful, for His purposes.

All we can do is trust Him in the process.

Trust Him to guide us.

And save us.

If God hand picks you to suffer terribly, allow yourself to grieve.

But bring God along for the ride.

His peace will cleanse your heart and mind.

Yes, your heart will never be the same.

But your witness will stand strong for others, giving hope and light in the utter darkness of the world.

Your light will pull others up from their knees.

Your peace will strengthen broken hearts.

Your faith will point others to the feet of Jesus.

Your living example of God’s redemptive power will break the chains of despair.

Chosen by God.

What an honor.

Photos by Delphine Ducaruge, Gan Wien, & Robert Metz on Unsplash

Faith

Published on May 18, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9

eberhard-grossgasteiger-1592249-unsplash

Faith.

What exactly is faith?

Believing.

Faith in God is believing in Him.

Believing He will do what He says.

That He knows best.

Believing He has our back.

That He is leading us down paths of goodness.

Abraham had faith.

Faith when God told him to sacrifice His only son whom he had waited his entire life for.

The son that held the promise of generations to follow.

Yet when God asked Abraham to sacrifice this only son, there was no hesitation.

Because Abraham had faith.

Absolute faith.

Do you?

eberhard-grossgasteiger-1601776-unsplash

Jesus had faith in God as well.

When the time came, Jesus asked that the cup would be removed.

But He ended his prayer with, “Not my will, but Thy will be done.”

Faith in God’s higher ways.

Jesus had perfect faith in His Father’s plan.

Explicit trust.

Do you?

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It all boils down to Whom you believe in.

With who or what you place your faith.

We all have faith in something or someone.

Even the absence of faith is faith that nothing is there.

Will you place your faith in yourself?

You will fail and so will the rest of the world.

No one is perfect except God.

Or will you place your faith in the One who created all things?

Abraham’s absolute faith.

Jesus’ explicit trust.

Both fully human.

We can, too.

Just ask.

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Photos by eberhard grossgasteiger & Ben White on Unsplash

Psalm 1

Published on March 16, 2019March 8, 2019 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers, (vs 1)

I am blessed by God when I choose to listen to Him, ignoring the evil ways of my natural self, shutting out the noise that clutters my mind.

but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night. (vs 2)

I am filled with joy when my sole focus is God; when I focus on His promises remembering His truth.

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers. (vs 3)

When I purpose my mind and thoughts on Him, I am a strong tree with roots firmly planted in the ground – never faltering, never swaying – immovable in Him.

Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. (vs 4,5)

I will not be like or resemble the ungodly, who are without the peace of God. Their actions on earth will pass away like the wind. They will forever be separate from God, my God.

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction. (vs 6)

My God will continually watch over my every step all the days of my life. His goodness and mercy will follow me and my head will be covered by His tender love and protection always.

Photos by Alexandru Tudorache, Rodion Kutsaev, chau kamto, Daria Nepriakhina, & Matt Hoffman on Unsplash

Pure Trust

Published on January 19, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12

Been reading about Abraham lately.

Like so many of you, I’ve decided to read through the Bible yet again this year.

So, I’ve come to Abraham.

Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac, more specifically.

Can you even possibly imagine simply obeying God about this?

God asked Abraham to “Take his only son, whom he loves, and offer him as a sacrifice.”

Incredibly, the next passage simply states that “Abraham rose early the next morning” and basically began his journey.

With Isaac.

To sacrifice him.

That was the express purpose of this trip.

Notice any arguing with God?

Complaining?

Questioning?

Abraham did none of those things.

He had argued before about the destruction of Sodom a couple chapters earlier.

So, we know he dared to argue with God.

But somehow, he didn’t now.

I’m simply stunned.

To me, that shows how much Abraham trusted God.

God had told him his offspring would be multitudinous through Isaac.

Maybe he had a sneaking feeling God would intervene, due to that earlier promise.

Maybe he thought he’d have another son and name him Isaac, too.

He had witnessed miracles, including the birth of his son in his old age.

He regularly talked with God.

Therefore, he did not question God’s commands.

To sacrifice his only son,

Abraham had unwavering faith.

What about you?

What would you have done?

God regularly tests our faith.

Big or small, God is continually asking us to simply trust Him.

With everything.

Trust Him and pass the test.

Because just like Abraham, God will show up when you do.

Photos by Matthias Tillen on Unsplash

Be Still

Published on December 22, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

To the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 25

Lord, what are Your thoughts this morning?

Be still.

Be still and know that I am God.

I am above it all.

Everything, big or small.

I am above your children.

I am above your husband.

I am above your job.

Your health.

Your house.

Remember Who I am.

I am the Great I Am.

I Am means I have always, are currently, and always will be.

As a result, you can be still.

If you choose.

Be still and know that I am God, trusting in My perfect plan chosen specifically for you.

Be still, my child, be still.

I am here.

Photos by Aaron Burden, Emil Vilsek, Donnie Rosie, Denys Nevozhai, & Maria Shanina on Unsplash

Never Ever Leaves

Published on June 9, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinnea4 Comments

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

God has promised to never leave us.

Never.

Flip that.

God has promised to always stay right by our side.

With us.

Right there.

Literally.

Deuteronomy 31:6 reminds us to be strong and of good courage…to fear not, nor be afraid.

Why?

Because the LORD goes with us…never failing us, never leaving us alone.

So why on earth do we ever allow fear to follow us?

Seriously, why?

We must stop this habit of turning to fear.

Since God is always with us, we have nothing to fear.

Nothing.

Not war.

Not screaming children.

Not sticky family situations.

Not even changing jobs.

We can jump into what God has for us, because He is with us.

Nervous to make a change?

Wondering if you can handle today?

Well you can do it.

Certainly not on your own.

But with every little thing, remember that God is with you.

He’s with you doing the dishes.

He’s with you driving your child to work, during awkward conversations, and while you mow the lawn.

He’s with you at the doctors and He’s with you at the drive-thru.

He’s with you as you wake in the night and He’s with you on the porch when you sip your morning coffee.

What difference would it make in your life if you began to remember He is always at your side?

Present in every moment?

Be strong and courageous.

God, who created ALL things, is with you every moment of every day.

And He will never leave you alone.

Ever.

How sweet it is to trust in Him.

Will you trust Him afresh today?

Photos by Kyle Cottrell , Callie Morgan , & Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Fly Away

Published on May 19, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw His unfailing love from me. Psalm 66:20

Children leave the nest.

At least they’re supposed to.

When?

Around the start of college.

Doesn’t matter if they’re ready.

Because ready or not, there they go.

They crave independence.

You crave silence.

But that doesn’t make it any easier to let them go.

I always knew they’d grow up and find their own way.

But I guess I thought I’d be ready.

Happy.

Joyful to release them.

News flash.

I’m not.

I want to protect them.

I want to make sure their heart is God’s alone.

Make sure they eat their fruit and veggies, consuming adequate vitamins.

Make sure they don’t step into evil, no matter the pleasure.

I want them to watch only the nice movies, pick only the godliest friends, and fall in love with only the one You have for them.

Sigh.

Makes me think of God.

He is our Father, yet we, as His children, leave Him, too.

Like we release our kids when they’re grown, He, too releases us, giving us full control.

He choose to give us life, which is full of choices we can make.

He watches us and lets us go.

His heart hurts when we, His children, make poor choices.

He would rather decide everything for us, too.

Just like me for the children.

But He doesn’t.

He allows us to fly and fail.

But He’s always waiting to take us back.

While the children keep leaving, not fully ready according to my book, all I can do is follow my example.

Follow God’s example to us.

He created us, yet He lets us live our own lives, make our own choices, lie in our own beds we create.

Is He sometimes happy with us?

Yes.

Does He also want us to make the right choice every time?

Of course.

But we don’t always.

We mess up.

Standing in the gap, His love is always constant.

Unconditional.

We don’t need to prove ourselves for Him to love us.

He’s always ready with open arms when we decide to return.

As we sit back and watch our children make choice after choice, just remember to keep loving them.

Love them and take them back when they return for a visit.

Your love will be a safety net in this world.

Your love will be an example of God Himself to them.

And that, folks, is where it’s at.

Photos by juan pablo rodriguez ,Vladimir Tsokalo ,Jeremy Bishop & Anna Kolosyuk on Unsplash

Obedience

Published on April 21, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. Deuteronomy 5:33

What happens when God closes a door or when He allows it to close?

When it’s slammed in front of you?

He opens a window.

But where’s the window?

Which one do we look through?

Which window will give us the breath of fresh air we so desperately need?

Which window shows us the way God wants us to go?

When we are faithful to trust that God will lead the way, He will open the right window at just the right time.

At just the right time.

However,

Only He knows when.

He made every window.

He even made every door.

Doors are slammed because of our free will.

Or the free will of others.

But He still made them.

Every door.

He is present in every situation.

Ready to guide you to safety.

Holding you in His tender mercy.

His tender love.

When we trust Him from the depths of our toes all the way up to our head,

And when we ask Him to use us for His glory and purpose,

And when we stand in obedience to our God knowing He WILL open a window,

He will generously bestow blessings more abundantly then you could possibly imagine.

And at just the right time, your window will easily open.

Effortlessly.

All because of Him.

Trust His plan.

Because He loves you.

Photos by Annie Spratt , Eduard Militaru , Kiwihug & Weronika Marcińczyk on Unsplash

Survival

Published on January 27, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. Psalm 91:14-15

How does one survive without God?

Literally, how does one survive this life?

I have no idea how.

Life can be pretty awful sometimes.

Downright nasty.

And when life is just that, how can one survive without the knowledge that God is still in control?

I’m guessing not very well.

Surviving this life without God, that is.

When life punches you to the ground,

When you can hardly gather your strength to pull yourself back up,

All you have to do is reach out your hand.

Reach out your trembling hand to God.

He is always there to pull you up, gathering you into a big bear hug.

He lifts the burden from your shoulders,

Shakes the dust off your back,

Wipes the tears from your eyes,

And holds your hand as you begin your walk again.

He never lets go.

So, the next time life reduces you into a heap on the floor,

Remember who stands with you.

You might not know where He is taking you,

You might not know His reasons,

You might not even know why He allows certain things.

But you can be certain of One thing: You and your little life matter to our big God.

And that, my friend, is how we survive this life.

And prosper.

Photo by Hannah Morgan on Unsplash

Who God Is

Published on January 13, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

I have.

I am.

And I always will.

~~~~~~

I have loved you.

I am loving you.

And I always will love you.

~~~~~~

I have provided for you.

I am providing for you.

And I always will provide for you.

~~~~~~

I have had your best in mind.

I am keeping your best in mind.

I always will have your best in mind.

~~~~~~

I have been faithful to you.

I am faithful to you.

I always will be faithful to you.

~~~~~~

Whatever assurances you are seeking, place it in the end of the phrase.

Do as I did.

Look at how God has, is, and always will be completely FOR you.

Remind yourself.

How very much God is yours and you are His.

Photos by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash

Wise Men

Published on December 16, 2017June 14, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. Matthew 2:9-10

Has God ever asked something of you?

And He’s been a little vague, but you know He is leading you in a certain direction?

So you decide to follow the direction He has for you, but it is certainly not fast.

In fact, it’s been a few months or a couple of years and you seem to be going nowhere new.

Are you still trusting Him?

Still believing what He has in store for you?

When God leads you to walk down a certain path, it’s sure easy at the beginning, isn’t it?

You are fresh, full of ideas, and hope spills over in your heart.

Flash forward a couple of years.

You are a bit weary, irritated, and more times then you care to admit, you listen to lies telling you how foolish you are to keep trusting God.

Sound familiar?

Look at the wise men who came from afar, bringing gifts to Jesus.

History shows these important men traveled a very long time to their destination.

Months or years, historians differ in their interpretation of the time.

But here is the point.

They kept going until their journey was complete.

They were faithful.

Are you?

When God leads you down a path, are you faithful to Him?

God’s timetable is not ours.

His plan includes your salvation.

And the salvation of others.

Even when progress seems to be at a standstill, keep walking.

Keep trusting God in the process.

God’s answers for you are waiting.

But only if you keep following Him.

Photos by Inbal Malca, Mariam Soliman & Jamie Templeton on Unsplash

Rewards of Faithfulness

Published on September 17, 2016June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4

Obedience.

Completely obeying what you know in your heart should be done.

Even if it sounds nuts.

If it goes against human logic.

Ever pray about something?

Yes, I know you have.

Your answer comes and shockingly, you don’t like it…

So you pray again, thinking you heard God’s answer incorrectly?

And He answers the same as before?

When this happens, listen to Him.

God really wants to share His plan for you if you’ll choose to listen.

We cannot possibly fathom all that He has for us.

If we choose to listen.

If we choose to obey.

Rewarding faithfulness.

That’s the outcome of our humble submission.

His ways are higher than ours.

Learned that again myself just last week.

Confirmation of His love.

That’s what obeying comes down to.

I pray this for many children everyday:

“May they hear Your voice, listen, & obey so they will know the TRUTH that will set them free.”

May this blessing fall upon you as well as you are faithful to God.

Photo by Karen Ciocca on Unsplash

His Perfect Ways

Published on September 10, 2016June 6, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Lord, You are my God; I will exhale You and praise Your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1

God is a good, good Father.

Love that song.

Except something in the song has always bothered me.

Is He really perfect in all of His ways?

Because when life goes down the toilet, it doesn’t seem so.

I become confused about His perfect ways when I think about what all me and my dear husband have gone through.

How is His way perfect when it involves your spouse leaving after 20 years, because someone must be their true self?

How is His way perfect when your spouse dies?

How is His way perfect when you miscarry?

Like I said, it’s bothered me every time I’ve sang this wonderful song.

But then it came to me.

God is perfect.

His ways are perfect.

When sin entered the world, death followed.

We daily choose between life and death.

Why does He allow brokenness?

Or suffering?

Not for me to say.

It’s on my list when I get to heaven.

But when we trust Him to get us through our broken times, His way is perfect.

He is perfectly able and willing to carry us every day through every little thing.

If we’ll let Him.

His answer of peace amidst the storm is perfect.

And His ever present help in trouble.

Call to Me and I will answer.

So yes, His ways are perfect.

And we are thankful.

Photos by Yoonbae Cho & Judith Prins on Unsplash

Shalom

Published on August 27, 2016June 6, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. Psalm 29:11

Completeness. Perfectly sound. Intact.

God promises us His peace.

His perfect peace.

His shalom.

When the waters begin to sway your boat, He is there to speak peace over you.

In the stillness of the night, He’s there to cover you, keeping you safe.

How?

It’s a mystery to me, but it’s there.

If you ask for it.

Then after you ask, trust Him.

Trust that He’s got this.

He’s already put His plan into motion.

His perfect plan.

His plan might not look like your plan.

But as long as you seek His face and long to do His will, He’ll be faithful to show up.

To show up and lead the way.

In peace.

So, grab hold of God’s strong hand.

And seek His face.

Don’t ever let go.

Saved From More

Published on January 22, 2016June 6, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22

Saved, yes, for all of eternity.

From the punishment we richly deserve.

But I think there’s more.

The Hebrew word “saved” means to deliver.

To help.

To gain victory.

When we look unto God for our daily needs…

When we look to Him to free us from ourselves…

When we look to God to be our everything…

We are saved from fear.

We are saved from sin.

Every day.

Every time we look unto God.

We are saved moment by moment, each and every day.

Yes, thank you God, we are saved from an eternity separated from Our Creator.

But we are also saved from worry and fear, here and now.

But only if we look unto God.

Only if we clear away all else and place our trust in God.

For He is God and there is none else.

Photo by Nagesh Badu on Unsplash

Jesus Loves Me

Published on January 3, 2016June 6, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a 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.

Do you know Jesus loves you?

Do you really know?

He does.

With everything He has, He loves you.

How can we be certain?

The Bible tells us so.

We are His children and we belong to Him.

Connected. Joined with Him.

Yes, we are so utterly weak in our own strength, but He is so very strong.

Jesus carries us through life, filling us up with His strength.

Why?

Because we belong to Him.

And because He loves us so.

What a stunning reminder of His faithfulness.

He knows it all.

He’s seen it all.

And He’s not going anywhere.

Because we belong to Him.

Photos by Jamez Picard & Dim Hou on Unsplash

Contentment

Published on August 4, 2014April 30, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Waiting on God.

Trusting the process.

Surrendering – and finding peace along the way.

That’s contentment.

Are you content?

Peaceful?

Or are you filled with anxious thoughts?

What if nothing ever changed in your life ever again.

What then.

Would you be miserable all the rest of your born days?

Maybe. Some people are like that.

They hate their life and refuse to do anything about it.

Or they hate their lot in life and unless they wake up in a new body and lifestyle with everything going their way, they will never be content.

So what if God told you this was as good as it was going to get?

Would you be utterly disappointed?

I have to admit I would be.

I have things I’d really love to do.

Living on the beach is at the top of my list!

Don’t laugh, it is, but that in itself would not cause me my greatest disappointment.

But that will be solved in a matter of days when I marry my beloved. !

Psalm 37 reminds us if we trust in God, He will give us the desires of our heart.

When you align yourself with God’s heart, the desires He places in you are His.

But it doesn’t say He gives us the desires of our hearts whenever we demand them.

God will deem the perfect time to reveal His plan for you.

In the mean time, are you content in waiting?

Happy to let God be God?

Or are you griping at every passing unfulfilled moment.

Maybe, just maybe, God is refining you in the process.

Maybe He is teaching you to trust.

Maybe He is testing you.

Pass the test with flying colors.

Then, when you least expect it, God will be there in the midst of your contentment, handing you His plan on a silver platter.

And the timing will be perfect.

Photos by Mark König, José Pinto, & Krists Luhaers on Unsplash

Thankfulness

Published on May 18, 2014April 10, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. Psalm 86:12

It’s easy to thank God when times are good.

When life is smooth, it’s easy to raise our hands to heaven, thanking the One who created all things.

How ’bout when life turns ugly?

When your life hits a speed bump and you are thrown to the ground, what then?

Are we still required to give thanks during those winter months?

Yep.

Seriously?

Uh-huh.

When God places a boulder in your path, thank Him for giving you directions around it.

When God moves you firmly out of one job into another, thank Him for rescuing you.

When God lifts you up and places you down in an entirely different life, thank Him for His protection.

You have no idea what God is protecting you from when He changes your course….your direction.

Thank Him.

He knows all things and is more aware than you realize.

Change your perspective. Begin thanking Him for the storms in your life.

Storms are when God shows up in powerful ways.

Sure, He’s there in times of sunshine as well, it’s just harder to see Him work.

When life is smooth sailing, you don’t need God as much.

When life is hunky dory, dependence on yourself increases. You become less thankful of the good things, because they surround you.

During storms, little pops of glory are obvious, filling our thankful hearts with hope.

Cultivate a heart of thankfulness. Regularly communicate your gratitude during your constant conversation with the One who created all things. The One who orchestrates the music of the universe.

I guarantee your attitude will shift and peace will return to your soul.

God has a plan. And He will reveal it to you in due time.

In the meantime, thank Him. Because we owe Him everything.

Everything.

Photos by Ben White, Vladimir Fedotov, & Zwaddi on Unsplash

Surprised

Published on February 16, 2014April 9, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14

Why are we surprised when God breaks through?

God promises to be completely faithful – with His faithfulness comes amazing breakthrough and change.

So why are we continually surprised?

Lack of faith? Maybe.

Caught off guard? Maybe.

We never know when God will answer our prayers.

We must be ready to meet Him when He slips into the room or comes with thunderous applause.

Expect it.

But wait patiently for His precious timing which is perfect.

Remember how He is in the details?

Those details can surprise us.

A little present from God falls into our lap and a smile creeps along our face. We’re suddenly reminded how God promised to show up.

Sometimes God comes with a bold answer. Spoken to your face from the least likely person.

That’s when you know it’s powerfully God.

Those times can knock a person off their feet.

Breathless.

I love answers to prayer. We all do.

It’s closure. Peace.

Knowing what God expects of us.

Demands of us.

Wants for us.

The timing may surprise us, but we shouldn’t be surprised God actually answered our prayers.

How do we get there?

How do we find those answers? We don’t.

God comes when He ordains the time.

We can’t rush life. Or God.

I know, it’s hard. Painful, really, not to be in charge.

We must daily submit to God’s will and in that act we will find His peace flooding our precious soul.

Look for the details.

Those remind you God is working.

Then when He shows up in a powerful answer to prayer, you won’t be as surprised.

Look for Him every day.

He’s here.

Everywhere.

Photos by Anita Austvika, Roberta Sorge, & Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash

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