Amy Linnea

My Shepherd Celebrates Me

Published on August 19, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Psalm 23:5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

What?

I am safe with my enemies?

Not only that, but I am feasting in front of them?

You defend me and have the final say.

You right every wrong.

Enemies cannot stand in the way of Your goodness and mercy.

Satan cannot foil Your plans.

Lord, let my enemies see Your goodness before it is too late.

Before they are only allowed to watch us feast, not entering in.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

You cover me with every good thing.

Nothing is too precious to spare.

Even Your Son’s life for my salvation.

My cup runs over with Your blessings.

The abundance is almost more than I can take.

To think I am in Your thoughts.

You lead me to sweet spots of safety, down the path of righteousness.

You restore my soul and keep me safe in the valley.

There is no fear as my soul rests in You.

Your plans for me far outweigh my human thoughts.

I am humbly blessed.

My Shepherd Protects Me

Published on August 12, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.

Because I have trusted,

Because I have trusted my Shepherd, who has led me onto paths of righteousness,

And who has led me to peaceful places of plenty and rest,

Because I have wanted nothing else,

I can rest in the knowledge of His protection when I am suddenly surrounded by hills and death.

When I cannot see the next step, I will fear no evil.

Why?

Because my gentle all-knowing Shepherd is right by my side.

He never leaves my side.

Through the sunny skies and days of dark, He is always there, guiding my every step.

Your rod and staff, they comfort me.

He gently prods me to keep moving, even if I am frozen with fear.

If I am about to stumble off the path, He catches me and gently brings me back to His side.

Because He has proven Himself faithful over and over,

Because He has provided for my every need and I want nothing,

I can trust Him in the valley of the shadow of death.

The valley won’t last forever; however, when in the midst, it seems like it.

He will lead you out.

Keep trusting Him.

He is faithful.

My Shepherd Leads Me

Published on August 5, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3

He restores my soul.

Wow.

My soul is completely brought back to life.

Made new.

Fully brought back.

After my Shepherd leads me into everything I need, He also restores my soul.

I am refreshed from the inside out.

He fully equips me for my mission on earth.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

His choice for me is righteous.

His plans for me are good.

Even though I do not know where He will lead me, I know I can trust Him.

He has been faithful to fulfill my needs and will continue to do so wherever we are.

He leads me to accomplish godly matters in His name.

We are necessary to show others the goodness of God.

My Shepherd leads me into goodness, restores my very soul, leaving me to want nothing.

Only when we take His hand.

My Shepherd’s Care of Me

Published on July 29, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea5 Comments

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Psalm 23:2

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

My Shepherd, who guides me, tells me what to do.

I must listen and obey.

And look where He guides me?

To relax in a sweet safe spot, where there is plenty.

Notice He’s not telling you to lie down in a smelly dump.

He’s instructing you to relax in a peaceful paradise.

Some of us don’t like to be told what to do.

Especially by an authority figure.

But if we trust God, our Shepherd who is leading us, we must listen.

We must listen and submit to Him, because He is God.

He knows the beginning from the end.

He loves us so much and wants to lead us into everlasting life.

So obey, we must.

He leads me beside still waters.

Allow Him to lead you.

Remember, when He is your Shepherd, you do not want.

You do not want anything else, because He has provided for you.

He brings you to green pastures and still water.

Peace and calm.

Will it always be like this on our journey in this life?

No, not even close.

But before we get to a valley, He fills us up with strength for the journey.

He prepares us, because He knows all things.

God began filling me up years before my divorce.

My desire for devotions and prayer became a flame that sustained me during the valley.

When God is leading you beside green pastures and still water, simply enjoy.

He might be filling you up for a valley or to minister to someone else.

Or maybe it’s just time for a rest.

Enjoy, my friend.

Photos by Daniel Seßler & Martin Sanchez on Unsplash

My Shepherd

Published on July 22, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my shepherd.

My leader.

My protector.

My defender.

My guide.

The Lord, who created me and all living things, helps me along life’s path.

I can rest, knowing He is guiding me if I put my trust into His capable hands.

I shall not want.

When I trust my Shepherd, all of my needs are provided.

All physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are kept within His strength.

I lack nothing. Absolutely nothing.

It’s when I begin to focus on myself or the world that I suddenly become unhappy.

Thoughts pop into my head that breed discontent.

But when I focus on my Savior, I shall not want.

The perfect Provider has anticipated my every need.

And it’s set before me, sooner then my very need arises.

It’s hard to shove the thoughts from your head which bring mistrust.

Lay everything at His feet.

And trust He’ll help you with anything and everything.

Victory is His and He will not fail you.

Because our Lord is our shepherd, we shall not want for anything.

Point of Life

Published on June 3, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2

So, what is the point of life?

Why are we here?

What is our purpose?

I’m asking because I’d really like to know.

Do you ever feel as if it just doesn’t matter one bit what we do?

We can pour years into a marriage and they can up and leave or pass away.

We can pour our very life into our children and they can grow up and walk away- from you and every value you placed into their heart.

I’m wondering about material things too.

Yes, I love a nice place just like you…

But it’s all completely temporary.

I think back to my size 4 self who thought it wasn’t enough.

5 pregnancies later and my mom body will never recover.

I can work hard for yet another masters, because I love education.

But I can’t take that with me either.

My only thought about this age old question of ¨what really does matter¨ is this:

It’s not about us.

Our desires.

If you look at my list up there, you’ll see it all points to me.

When we focus on ourselves, when we put all of our life eggs into the one basket of self, we will be disappointed when our basket of eggs is broken.

Or if our basket looks broken, yet is not, because it doesn’t meet our standards.

So why did God even create us?

For love.

For Him.

If we focus on God and what He wants us to do, we will be content.

From the balcony of heaven, will it matter the color of my dining room?

Will it matter if I drive the car of my choice?

No.

How can God use us for His purposes so we can be content?

To give hope to others.

To heap love, too.

We live in a broken world.

But God’s redeeming love surpasses all else.

His never ending mercy and undeserved grace creates security.

Safety.

When people have no hope, they don’t feel safe.

When people don’t have love, they have fear instead.

And they’re not content.

So, what is the point of life?

To generously love others through the power of God.

If we can minister God’s love to others, we will be content.

Ask God who you can bless.

Ask God to be His vessel through which His love can pour out onto His children.

Because the one thing you can take with you to heaven is a friend.

Trust and Lean

Published on May 27, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord.

You mean trust in my own strength, right?

No, trust in the Lord.

But I know what I want.

Need.

So does God.

In fact, He knows best.

He wants your best, sees your future, and will bring all things into fruition if you trust.

Trust in Him, not in yourself.

With all of your heart.

All of me?

Even that corner that wants to do things my own way?

Yep.

Trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart.

And lean not on your own understanding.

I cannot trust my own understanding of my very own life?

But I know me better than God.

You do?

God created the mind with which you think.

He created your heart that beats, producing life.

He understands you more than you understand yourself.

So lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways, acknowledge Him.

All my ways?

Even when I want to go my own way, because I feel it’s best?

When I want to go down pity’s path?

When I want to follow my sour mood to worry’s house?

Yes. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him.

And He will direct your paths.

Well, I do want Him to direct my paths.

When God directs my paths, He brings His perfect peace.

When I follow my own path, not trusting in Him, worry and dread are my companions.

But when I trust in the Lord with my whole heart, and trust not in my own way, God will walk with me and peace will be my companion.

Remind yourself how faithful God has always been to you.

And begin again, trusting Him every step of the way.

Give Me Jesus

Published on May 20, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

When everything else is stripped away…

Give me Jesus.

When life doesn’t go according to plan…

Give me Jesus.

When you stand aghast at life swirling seemingly out of control around you…

Give me Jesus.

When you simply cannot comprehend what God is doing…

When you want what He has taken from you…

When your heart is bleeding from the pain of life…

Give me Jesus.

His peace and love will bring you comfort as you remind yourself Who is still on the throne…

Who knows the beginning from the end…

Who holds your heart in His hands…

Who died to save you.

Jesus.

Just give me Jesus.

Submit

Published on April 15, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

For the love of God, stop.

Stop acting like you can control life.

Stop pretending you are actually in control.

God is.

He is the author of life.

He numbers our days.

Do you want your numbered days to be filled with worry?

Dread?

Mere panic at the thought of losing control?

Or do you want your numbered days to be filled with the transformational peace of God?

It’s your choice.

Daily, actually.

Yes, God gives us authority to make decisions.

To control our tiny corner of life.

But first, submit to God.

Ask Him how to order your day.

Talk to Him about your every step.

Then the peace of God will guide you.

Will you have trials?

Yes, but you’ll have joy in spite of it, knowing God is still in control.

He knows the beginning from the end.

He is the author and finisher of life.

And He loves you.

Completely.

Without reservation, He loves you.

Submit to God Almighty, who created you and the world in which you live.

Submit to God Almighty, who knew you needed a Savior and provided for you a way to eternal life.

Submit to God Almighty, who wants to lead and protect you, enveloping you in His perfect peace and love.

For the love of God, submit.

Photo by David Beale on Unsplash

Meeting Jesus

Published on April 9, 2017June 6, 2023 by amylinnea4 Comments

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

My precious sweet grandmother.

She’s going to meet Jesus soon.

Face to face.

Her body is ready.

Her spirit and soul are ready.

Ready to allow her entry into heaven.

As I think about her, I instantly know what she wants us to remember.

Love Jesus.

With your whole heart.

Serve Him with gladness.

Let His touch flow through your fingers into the lives of others.

That’s what she does.

That’s who she is.

Her legacy is one of compassion and love.

Her earthly life has been a witness to God’s very presence.

As we kiss her good-bye, we have kissed the face of God.

May we have faith like her.

May we have joy like her.

And as my grandmother has so beautifully fulfilled God’s destiny for her, may the fruit of our lives fulfill the destiny God has for us, too.

My Rock

Published on April 8, 2017June 29, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2

Jesus is the Rock upon which I stand.

He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

He is evermore.

Everlasting.

Secure.

Safe.

He stands tall, unmovable, unshakable.

Even on stormy days, He stands fixed.

On my own, I waver with the wind.

My own strength fails me over and over.

Lies creep into my brain, training me to believe Satan’s identity of me instead of God’s.

There is more.

There is life.

Renewal.

Redemption.

Restoration.

When I hold onto Jesus’ hand, clasping His hand in mine –

His strength becomes my own.

His peace floods my soul.

His identity for me becomes my own.

Stormy days still come.

And will continue the rest of my days.

But holding onto God and clinging to Him changes everything.

His anchor keeps me grounded.

Grounded and rooted in love.

His love.

Choose to grasp His hand and dwell in His love.

Choose.

Then once you have chosen Him,

Choose to stay.

Always.

Clothed With Him

Published on April 1, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23

In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.

We are nothing without Him.

Mere shells devoid of purpose or real change.

With Him, everything changes.

When we are clothed with His mercy, we give others compassion.

When we are clothed with His love, we give others significance.

When we are clothed with His forgiveness, we give others freedom.

When we are clothed with His peace, we give others rest.

He continually pours out His blessings to us, so we can spread His character to the ends of the earth, blessing others with Himself.

His mercies are new every morning.

His precious ways are counted among the saints.

Taste and see how God is good.

So very good.

Allow Him to fill you up with His goodness.

Every morning.

Watch His good news spread to the thirsty souls near you.

Photos by OC Gonzalez & Pablo Heimplatz on Unsplash

Peace

Published on March 25, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

God wants me to be at peace and rest about everything?

Yes, because He commands us to not be anxious about anything.

Even my children?

Yes. Even my marriage?

Yes. Even the uncertain future with our broken world?

Especially, yes.

When God asks us to not be anxious about anything, He knows we are unable to do that in our own strength.

He provides the road map to peace.

With absolutely every piece of your busy life, pray about it.

Seek God’s face about each aspect of your life.

Thank Him for all He has done and will do for you.

When you pray and seek His will with a thankful heart, His peace will wash over you.

His peace, which passes ALL understanding, will arrive.

Not only will His peace arrive, but it will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.

He will guard your heart against fear.

He will guard your mind against lies.

When you fully submit your requests to God with a thankful heart, He will blanket your heart and soul with a peace which passes all understanding.

When you choose to give ALL of your worries to God, thanking Him for all He is, His peace will take over.

His perfect peace, which we cannot possibly understand.

When you give up control,

When you submit your will to His,

When you thank Him from the top of your head to the tip of your toes for all He has graciously given to you,

He will come, bringing His perfect peace.

He will come.

He wants to come.

He cannot wait to give you His peace.

Keep submitting and thanking, following His will for your life.

Every single day.

You will become radiant with His peace and what a witness that will be of Himself.

The world needs peace.

Only the peace of God will last and what if you, reflecting His perfect peace, could literally show the world a glimpse of God’s saving grace?

What a witness you will be.

Quiet Your Heart

Published on February 25, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:29

Quiet your cluttered mind.

Remove the noise of life.

Stop running around with your endless lists.

Be quiet and be still…

Focus on God.

Look back at His faithfulness to you.

Read your list of details or blessings.

Believe in your heart the truth.

That beyond a shadow of a doubt, God is real.

Then you will know..

God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

He was and is and is to come.

He created all things.

He holds the world and all of you in His hands.

That He is God…

So, be still and know that He is God.

Rest and trust.

Be.

God’s Timing

Published on February 18, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea3 Comments

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and hour justice as the noonday. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:4-7

Keep going.

Pressing forward.

There is a plan – God’s plan.

He will reveal it in His perfect timing.

His timing, not mine.

Not yours.

In the mean time – trust.

Look back at all the details He has put together for you.

Shown you.

Proved to you He notices and is fully present with you.

Grab hold of God’s tender hand.

He will never ever let go.

Photos by Cadabullos Diseño Web & Kosma Kurłowicz on Unsplash

Stay the Course

Published on February 11, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Those words were whispered to me today.

Stay the course.

Trust in God´s plan.

Knowing and believing He is in control.

Even when you´re confused about what to do…

Keep pursuing God.

When hope seems to die regarding your precious child…

Stay on your knees.

When bricks continue to fall on your head…

When life becomes too overwhelming…

Rely on God´s strength.

Allow God to flood your soul with His continual peace as you faithfully pursue His plan.

Stay the course.

God´s plan will unfold.

He will defend you.

In the mean time, stay the course.

Photos by Marcin Kolodziejczak, Salomon Riedo, & niko photos on Unsplash

Still Loved

Published on February 4, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Revelation 22:21

I am trying, Lord.

I am trying, yet I am failing.

It seems as if I am failing, yet I know I am not.

I am trying to be who You want me to be.

To everyone I love.

To everyone I meet.

To whomever You place in my path.

But I seem to fail more than I succeed.

My needs jump right in front as top priority more times than I would like to admit.

Why can I not keep You first in my life?

When I look at others, why do I let myself block the precious view of You?

You are in my husband.

You are in my children.

You are in my students.

You are in the lady at the corner market.

You have given me countless opportunities to serve You every day.

Yet, no matter how much I want to serve You in my actions, I fail.

Falling down to serve myself.

My needs first.

I will keep failing and be filled with disappointment when I do not keep asking You to fill me up with Your wisdom.

Your strength.

Your love for every person.

We only have one opportunity for each momentary interaction.

One chance to look at the other person and see You.

May You remind us to love others with Your love.

May You remind us to speak life into others with Your love.

May we bless others through Your love as You have blessed us.

May we see others as You see them.

Your precious child.

And may we see ourselves that way as well.

Loved by you, flaws and all.

Walking Towards Whom

Published on January 28, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Who are you walking towards for comfort?

Jesus?

Or Satan?

We are all walking towards one or the other.

Walking towards Jesus will give you life.

You may have momentary sorrow as you empty your selfish needs before His feet.

But that choice, choosing Jesus, will bring peace.

Life.

Walking towards Satan will bring death.

Maybe not immediate, and the feeling will be almost satisfactory.

But that choice will certainly bring death.

The absence of peace.

Regret in the morning.

Our choices in life bring us closer to one of them.

Our choices in life bring us closer to either Jesus or Satan.

Life or death.

Every time.

To whom do you walk towards….?

Fresh Start

Published on January 3, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24

Do you ever wake up and declare this is the day?

This is the day I will become saintly.

Who God made me to be.

I can remember declaring this as a young girl.

Several times.

It would be my new fresh start:

From this day on, I will cheerfully obey my parents.

I will dutifully keep my room clean and treat my brother as a human.

I will keep my mouth shut and opinions to myself!

But on our own power, they are doomed to failure.

Doomed, actually, from the start.

They last mere moments.

However, when covered by God and His strength through us, we are destined for glory.

His glory will shine through us, touching precious souls.

I love fresh starts.

Declare today a fresh start.

Purpose to live for Him.

Cast every thought to God, focusing your mind on Him.

Lay every desire at His feet and let Him guide your steps.

Invite Him to do a mighty work in you, so you can be all that you can be and more.

Amen!

Photos by Mitchel Lensink & Charlotte Rush on Unsplash

Bless Your Mommy Heart

Published on October 22, 2016June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Psalm 113:9

As mothers, we wear our emotions on our sleeve.

We break our backs for our children, desperately crying out to God for their redemption.

Even if that’s not you and instead you have nieces or nephews or care deeply for other children, we all deeply love.

Sometimes, as soldiers, we become solitary, holding all the burdens in our tired hands.God wants to walk alongside you, helping you every step of the way.You can trust Him completely.

A gentle reminder from God for you this day:

I love your children even more than you can possibly imagine.

They are mine.

I see them.

I know them.

I know their deepest sorrows and greatest joys.

I recognize their desires in life and I am present with them always.

Letting go of them is not easy, but as you do, remember I am God and I am their Father.

I hold them in the palm of My hand.

I will never leave them or forsake them.

When you lift them up before Me in prayer, rejoice that I am already working.

Rest, knowing I love them even more than you are able.

Their joys and sorrows are mine.

And as their future unfolds, I am already there.

Change the Picture

Published on September 24, 2016June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

Sometimes I ask myself what is God doing?

Why this or that?

We picture life a certain way.

Then our picture changes.

Why?

I remember we’re not supposed to know why yet.

We’re not supposed to know all the answers.

Yet.

We don’t hold the future.

But God does.

His mercy and grace are all around us when we trust Him to lead us through the steps of life.

He knows what to do next.

What lays beyond us on the horizon.

He will always provide the strength we need.

To do what He asks of us.

And He knows why.

Trust Him to take your hand.

He holds the compass and map.

Put on your walking shoes and sunscreen.

It’s a beautiful day for a walk.

Photos by Gantas Vaičiulėnas & Aaron Burden 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

Worry and Dread

Published on September 3, 2016June 6, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Ever work yourself into a worried frenzy?

Consume your thoughts with worry and then your body simply shuts down?

Worst case scenarios play out in your brain and you are completely convinced all heck will break loose?

Think about the very worst case scenario.

Is it really that bad?

Probably not.

You might have a few days of angst, a few years maybe, but in the end, will it really matter?

From the balcony of heaven, will it matter if this worst case scenario happened?

How does one practically stop themselves from dwelling in the flesh?

How do you keep your brain from worrying?

Sometimes a worry keeps me frozen in fear.

Filled with dread.

Yep, I’m not perfect.

So how do you stop the train wreck?

Refuse to participate with worry and fear.

Wait a minute.

How do you do that?

When you play a thought over and over in your mind, it cements the thought as fact.

You literally trick your brain into thinking a false reality.

Whoah. Really?

Yep.

Reverse it.

Throw your worries back to God.

After all, He’s the one in control, not you.

If you make a mistake, own it, and move on.

Don’t dwell in worry or fear.

Won’t do a bit of good.

Won’t change a thing.

Except your peace.

That will be gone.

Worry and fear.

Not a way to live.

Daily submit yourself to God.

Pray for His guidance to walk you through life.

Then when life throws you a curve ball, you can put on your glove and throw it straight back to God.

He’ll catch it and you’ll be on His winning team.

Photos by Chang Duong & Helena Lopes 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.

Layers of Trust

Published on August 20, 2016June 6, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in You I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8

Every time a new experience confirms a truth you already know, a layer of trust is laid.

Layer upon layer, trust is built over time and these layers cushion us from the blows of life.

New relationships create layers of trust every time you interact, confirming how they feel about you.

Picture a feather falling down, cradling upon a pile.

Or a thin page gently falling and resting on top of another, creating a gentle pile of layers.

The layers are built over time.

They are used as a cushion to defeat the whispers of doubt or lies that sometimes pop into your head.

Babies begin to place their layers of trust when they are born.

They cry, a need is met, and they feel safe and secure.

Or a child falls down and runs to mommy to kiss the tears away.

The child’s cushion of trust helps to soften the bumps of life.

As adults, we place our trust into the hands of Almighty God.

Layer upon layer, year by year, He fills our lives with details.

Blessings which are personal to our precious hearts.

Trust is built.

Then when the blows of life hit us, we fall back into the cushion of our faith.

Our layers of trust hold us and keep us in the tender arms of God.

Layers of trust.

Every relationship has them.

They grow with time and unfold into strong roots which anchor us in life.

Resist the urge to ignore them, listening to lies instead.

Anticipation or Expectation

Published on August 13, 2016June 6, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. Proverbs 10:28

Life is full of promise.

Possibilities are brimming at every turn.

Are you cheerfully anticipating God to work in your life, delivering His plan for your days?

Or are you planning things yourself and expecting God to work your plan?

One surrenders, the other demands.

Works in other relationships too, not just under God.

How bout your spouse?

Are you cheerfully anticipating love or blessings whenever they happily fall into your lap, or do you have impossibly high expectations your spouse will continually fail to reach?

Do you expect your spouse to celebrate you in a certain way, or do you allow them the freedom to bless you from their heart in their own way?

How much do you expect your girlfriends to do for you?

Or do you have the attitude of cheerful anticipation void of your measure?

As parents, we must have certain behavior expectations of our children.

That’s our called and sacred duty.

But speaking of giving love, children are notoriously low on the giving scale as they creep up in years.

Are you cheerfully anticipating their love in their time, or do you hold them to high expectations certain to fail your standards of showing love?

There’s a big difference.

It’s grace vs legalism.

Unselfish vs selfish.

Peace vs strife.

When we hold God, our loved ones, our friends, or anything in our life to our own expectation, we will be disappointed.

Guaranteed.

100%

But if we allow God to bless us when we least expect it, our hearts will brim over with joy.

I remember praying about my birthday a few years back.

It was the first one as a “divorced” woman.

I prayed to have zero expectations, to be pleasantly surprised with each little detail God provided.

The first child to greet me at school loudly proclaimed, “Happy Birthday!”

Then she ran over for a hug.

I walked into my classroom and the sweetest boy began serenading me, personally singing the entire Happy Birthday song in his precious soft voice.

Be cheerfully expectant.

Anticipatorious as my father would say.

Your days will be peaceful, your heart will be filled with love, and your mind will stay at rest.

And your relationships will thrive.

Ahhh, now that’s the life.

Part of His Plan

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

For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, and to keep His commands, decrees, and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. Deuteronomy 30:16

God uses us.

Little old us.

Almighty God wants to use us for His work of bringing everyone into abundant life.

To salvation through His Son.

Through us.

We are part of His plan for the salvation of the world.

The world He created.

We are witnesses of His goodness, mercy, and grace.

When people are hurting or confused, we are called to encourage them, offering hope.

God can show Himself however He sees fit.

But He is a personal God, touching people in the details of their lives.

We are those details.

We are the hands and feet of Jesus.

Drip onto others the fragrance of God.

His living water will flow freely from you to them, forever transforming their lives.

Our Focus

Published on August 3, 2016June 6, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Proverbs 4:25

It’s not about me

or you.

Life.

Our lives are not to be lived for us.

Really?

Really.

Jesus is our focus.

Our lives should be lived for Him.

To realize His purpose.

To be used for His glory.

Sometimes life throws us a hard choice.

Our flesh screams no, but God’s spirit in us whispers yes.

We know.

Maybe if we remember why God put us here, we will listen to His voice first.

Because He is in every circumstance.

What does He want you to do?

And will you do it?

Giving God Only Half

Published on July 23, 2016June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30

Ok God.

You can have this area of my life and this one over here, but not that one.

My family needs You, but my job is fine.

I’m doing fabulous with my job – well, actually my 2 jobs, and I don’t want You to change absolutely anything about it.

So, I’ll keep a hold of my job because I want to stay in complete control.

You can choose the books I read, but I want to remain in charge of the tv shows I watch.

I know what I like and I don’t want to change any shows.

I deserve them, because I work hard!

I’ll let You alter my food and eating habits.

I really need You there.

I want to be healthy and in better shape, so I give You control of that area.

You want me to jog during my tv show?

Um, not going to happen.

I love that show.

Let’s see, You can direct my health, the dog, our home, my husband’s job, and our vacation plans.

I’m keeping my pride (really need that for work), selfishness (whose going to look out for me if I don’t), and distrust of everything I haven’t done myself.

Have You seen my dishwasher when I haven’t reloaded the thing?

So thank you for taking control of some things in my life.

I don’t have time to do it all myself, so thank you.

I’ll keep the other things for now as I am doing a pretty great job.

You sure knew what you were doing when you fashioned me!

So relieved we had this talk.

Pastor said we should surrender everything to you – said we’d be happier and more peaceful.

Don’t know how anyone could do that!

It’s too hard!

Not strong enough in my own strength, I suppose!

I love being in control.

Just using the gifts You gave me!

Looking forward to seeing You work things the way I want in the areas I gave You!

Slow Down, Sister

Published on June 16, 2016June 6, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

Have you ever asked God to spend your time?

To fill it with His desires and needs for you?

God has fashioned our brains brilliantly.

Capable of so much.

Sometimes we have many voices, one louder than the next, all clamoring for our attention:

I must not forget my child’s vanilla ice cream for her school party.

Call the insurance adjustor about our hail claim.

Speak to your daughter from the heart, trying to grab what is really going on in her head.

Oh shoot, I’ve neglected the blog.

Why hasn’t someone started the laundry?

Attitudes of the children….what to do, and why did we even have children?

Christmas is only a few months away.

Our family vacation is coming up and with all the work involved, I just may stay home.

Are we on track for retirement?

Feel like I need to pour even more love and wisdom into the children.

My body will never be the same, but I can stop the slide…pencil in exercise and drinking more water!

Love my new dream job…need to build and learn my curriculum, organize the classroom, and read the novels ahead of time.

It’s been way too long since we’ve gone on a date…wait, let’s get away…how fun and necessary…but what to do about the kids…

Am I doing enough as a wife, mother, teacher, and Christian?

God says to ask Him.

Ask Him to guide you with every step you take.

He knows.

Everything.

He sees your darkest fear and hears your greatest joy.

Be still and know that I am God (Ps 46:10).

He tells the sun when to rise and when to fall.

He will silence the voices in your head.

He will remove the worry from your heart.

Simply abandon it all to God.

Give Him control and sit beside Him for the ride of your life.

He will be faithful to fill in every detail.

Take your peace from God.

And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Photos by AARN GIRI & Jan Meeus on Unsplash

Call to prayer

Published on June 12, 2016November 3, 2024 by amylinnea2 Comments

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. Jeremiah 29:12

It’s time.

I’m done.

Not reaching out for prayer, that is.

We must pray for each other.

Because prayer makes all the difference in the world.

So why are we NOT utilizing this gift God has left for us?

This lifeline to His mercy and grace for our precious children?

We’re absolutely lazy.

Or possibly embarrassed.

Not sure why, but it stops now.

I pray daily for my family.

But when 2 or 3 are gathered, there God is in the midst.

Does God hear my lonely prayer?

Absolutely.

Completely.

Fully.

But when we rally together, praying for each other’s children, it’s better.

More effective.

Picture yourself on a hill, quietly praying on your knees.

You look up and see your friends walking towards you, lifting your children up in prayer, uttering the very same prayer you are.

Suddenly, your heart is lightened and you smile in the midst of it all.

Why?

Because there’s power in numbers.

When many moms and dads pray, the deafening sounds hurt the ears of the enemy and foils evil plans.

Mountains are moved.

As burdens are shared, our loads become lighter and we have a tangible piece of God.

Evidence He cares.

Rally your friends.

Share your prayer requests.

And your “Praise the Lords”.

Cover each other’s children in prayer within the quiet of your home, or together with friends.

Warriors are rising up and we mean business.

Enough is enough.

Join me.

Visit my new Prayer Drops page on my blog (click on the link).

Download the forms or make your own.

Gather your friend’s prayer requests for their children and give them yours.

Fill multiple sheets.

Spread the word.

I’d love to exchange prayer requests with you – just let me know.

I can feel the rumbles already. 🙂

Photos by Ben White & David Beale on Unsplash

Loving Your Enemies

Published on May 22, 2016June 6, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Jesus says to love your enemy.

Even people you don’t particularly like.

Jesus says to pray for those who persecute you.

People you don’t get along with very well.

Or who do you harm.

Oh, but I’m justified in my disgust.

You don’t know what they’ve done to me.

I could never pray for them.

Jesus is our example.

Jesus could have said many things while standing before Pilot.

He could have yelled at them while being whipped.

Or while the nails were thrust into His hands.

But instead, what did He say while hanging on the cross?

“Father, forgive them….for they know not what they do.”

Didn’t they know what they were doing?

They held the whip and knew it would shred His back.

They held the crown and knew it would pierce His head.

They held the hammer and knew they were going to nail Him to the cross.

However-

they didn’t know Jesus was the Son of God.

The eyes of His accusers could not see who He was.

Their eyes were closed because Jesus had to die for our sins.

They had no idea what they were doing.

Everyone played their part in God´s plan for our salvation.

Yet instead of hurling insults at His persecutors, Jesus prayed for them.

He could have said many brilliant things to combat their assaults.

But He didn’t.

When you pray for someone you don’t like, pray that God will fill you with compassion for that person.

Notice Jesus didn’t condone His persecutors.

He didn’t welcome their pain.

But He prayed for them.

While hanging on the cross, in more agony then we will ever know, with the weight of the world’s sin on his back, Jesus chose to pray for His enemies.

He wanted God to keep pursuing them.

To bring His enemies into forgiveness.

Your enemies don’t really know what they are doing either.

Just like you don’t know what’s really going on inside of their heads.

People act to protect themselves.

And sometimes, they don’t care who they take down in the process.

We can only forgive our enemies with God’s help.

And with His love pouring through us, we can extend grace to others.

Even those who are mean.

Faithful Companion

Published on April 16, 2016June 6, 2023 by amylinnea4 Comments

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

I lifted my tear stained eyes and looked upon my sweet Lord’s face.

Compassion dripped from His eyes as He scooped me into His arms.

My child, I love you.

I cover you this day with My peace.

May you lay every worry at My feet and allow Me to take it for you.

May you be filled with joy, knowing My sovereign power is flowing through your precious soul.

May you share this love with others, so all of My children can live with abundant life.

I know the beginning from the end.

I will order your steps and you will not falter if you trust Me to lead you.

You may not always get your way, but your heart will remain in peace when you trust Me.

I have never failed you and I will not start now.

I long to be your constant companion.

There are so many amazing and profound things I want to share with you.

But you have to come to Me.

I am here, always ready and waiting for you.

I will never leave, because I love you with everything I have.

I created you.

And I never make mistakes.

Photos by Ave Calvar & Lina Trochez on Unsplash

Entertaining Doubt

Published on March 17, 2016June 6, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Why do you doubt me?

Why do you doubt my love?

Why do you doubt my goodness?

Why do you doubt my plan for you,

my personal love story written just for you?

Are you scared?

Lonely?

Trust me.

Completely.

Perfectly.

Wholly.

You must use My strength to do just that.

But I’m here ready to help.

Do not doubt me.

I am faithful to you right up through the very end of your story.

Why do we entertain thoughts of doubt?

Because we don’t really believe God holds our life in His hands.

That He has our back.

Little moments of life stir up whispers of fear.

We listen to the whisper.

We think about the whisper.

Doubt creeps back in through our open door.

When we listen to the whispers, we unknowingly fling the door wide open, inviting doubt and fear to join us.

Sigh.

Make a list of your fears.

Now answer each one with God’s matchless truth, breaking the power of each fear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The LORD is my strength and my defense ; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2

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

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next time doubt whispers in your ear, whip out the list and speak the written truth.

Immediately switch doubt into certainty.

Then go on your merry way thinking about something entirely different.

We mustn’t doubt God.

He’s been faithful to me in countless ways and He has been and will continue to be faithful to you.

No doubt in my mind.

Up to Us

Published on March 10, 2016June 6, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29

God is here.

He is here in my room at this very moment.

He knows my heart.

He knows my deepest wishes.

He sees every corner – the love for my husband and children…the fragile yet strong self-esteem…the hurt He will wipe away…sin I refuse to give up.

God is ever present – waiting for us to surrender ourselves so He can fill us up.

On our own, our hearts are complicated – disjointed with hurt and love.

When we daily choose to surrender ourselves to God, He comes into our heart and begins to clear away the debris.

But He needs to be invited.

Everyday.

He must be invited to do His work.

He’s always willing and ready.

We simply need to ask.

I know.

It takes time.

Healing, that is.

Why can’t He just sweep us clean with a super vacuum?

Because our hearts have learned things and we must learn new ways of dealing with life.

But the cool thing is this.

God will be faithful to heal every crack and remove every bit of debris if we daily surrender and allow Him to do what He wants.

Trust.

Complete gut wrenching trust.

That’s where God can do His greatest work in us.

When you think about the alternative, it’s relatively easy.

Rely completely on the One who holds every answer to every question known to man.

The Author of our life.

The Creator of all things.

Or…

We could simply rely on worldly wisdom, some of it well meaning.

But then we’re using our own strength and wisdom.

And we’re human and mortal.

We don’t know the future.

We don’t have the stamina or mental capacity to think of all the details in our lives.

I know I cannot possibly orchestrate my life and have peace and happiness.

But if I give it all to God, who does know ALL THINGS, I can rest knowing He’s got this.

He’s got my back.

Not only that, but He’s studied me and fills the details of my life with blessings.

He plans my future for good and surprises me with many daily ‘wows’.

And He’s waiting to do just the same for you.

Peace or angst.

Clean heart or one full of debris.

Resting in God’s future plans or anxiously worrying about it.

I choose God.

How about you?

Photo by Sam Burriss on Unsplash

Prickles

Published on March 3, 2016June 6, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29

How often do your prickles erupt?

Once in awhile?

When life really goes to pot?

When you’ve finally had enough?

Or too, too often….?

Prickles are easy to spot.

In fact, one can feel them rising to the surface.

They’re ugly.

Painful to others.

And frankly to yourself as well.

They put a barrier between you and the world.

It’s normal to get upset-

Just make sure it’s godly.

What?

Treat little annoyances like water off a duck’s back.

They simply don’t move you.

And when your children need your quick firm stand, be as a gentle bear they cannot move.

If you react instead to life as someone who quickly sprays quills, you’ll be one of those people.

People who need lots of space for whatever mood they happen to jump into.

And you don’t want that.

To be so unpredictable.

People are scared of porcupines, because their prickles can erupt in an instant.

Don’t be prickly.

Be a quiet gentle giant, standing firm when you must, predictable to life.

You can’t often control your circumstances, but you can always control your reaction.

Photo by matthew Feeney on Unsplash

Turn Yourself In

Published on February 28, 2016June 6, 2023 by amylinnea4 Comments

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

God is looking for you.

You’re a wanted soul.

Wanted for redemption.

For a relationship with the One true God.

Funny, though, because God knows just where to find you.

But He has always given us a choice.

To surrender or not.

So let me ask you this:

What are you waiting for?

What’s the hold up?

Fear?

Not being in control?

Would you, with your limited knowledge, rather be in charge?

Or God, who knows the beginning from the end?

But I like living for myself.

Ok, but your days are numbered and then what.

What about all of eternity which stretches far beyond your vision?

Oh, I’ll go to heaven, because I’m a good person.

Sorry, but you’re still full of sin.

And the only way to wipe the sin away is to trust Jesus to take away all your sins for you.

He will, because He loves you.

And He wants to be your friend.

There’s no strings attached.

Just ask.

But God saved you from more than yourself.

He wants you to make a real difference with others.

He wants you to have the peace of God in your life.

Maybe you’re a Christian, but your heart is still yours, wrapped up in what you want.

God wants all of you.

Only when you surrender your heart will God be able to step in.

When you put your total trust in Him, He carefully guides you with every single step.

It’s not always a smooth path, but He’s your constant companion.

And when He’s with you, you’ll have His peace which passes all understanding.

It guides your heart and mind.

So turn yourself in.

Trust.

And let God take over.

Leave It

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

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

How many burdens do you keep?

Or…

How many burdens do you take back after you give them away to God?

When you lay your burden down, giving it to God,

don’t pick it back up.

We are not made to carry them.

We are sheep.

But our Shepherd is made for the job.

He’s willing and happy to do it.

But we have to make a choice.

To lay the burden down.

And leave it at the foot of the cross.

Jesus might not carry it like you think He should.

Don’t ask for it back.

When your mind thinks of that burden, you begin to think of ways to fix it.

That, my friends, is scooping the burden back up.

Every time your thoughts return to that burden, give it back to God.

Thank Him for fixing it for you.

Tell Him you can’t wait to see How he solves it.

He will let you know.

Promise.

If you instead, keep musing over that issue,

the burden will climb back onto your shoulders.

Worry and fear will once again join you.

So stop.

Give them to God and stop those thoughts in their tracks.

Smile, knowing God’s in control.

And He has your best in mind.

Photos by Yan Berthemy & Catherine on Unsplash

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

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