Amy Linnea

Christmas Peace

Published on December 21, 2019June 14, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Peace on earth.

That’s the Christmas message.

Peace on earth.

Jesus was born on this earth to bring peace.

Everlasting peace.

Forever.

Christmas is a time when the whole world takes a breath.

Slows down.

Pauses.

Peace on earth.

Previous wars have stories of cease fires a bit on Christmas Day.

Peace.

Families come together, remembering the reason for the season.

Peace.

Gifts are exchanged in good will towards men.

Peace.

Is there peace in your world this Christmas?

How peaceful are you?

What is your focus?

If your world is not a replication of Norman Rockwell, oh well.

Don’t let that steal your peace.

If your family relationships are not what they should be, oh well.

Don’t let that steal your peace.

If your job, finances, or location are not what they should be, oh well.

Don’t let that steal your peace.

If you’re unhappy with yourself, unmet goals furthering the decline of your health, oh well.

Don’t let that steal your peace.

Christmas time has developed into the most stressful time of the year instead of the most wonderful time of the year.

Because there is no peace when you focus only on providing the perfect Christmas.

Enjoy not finding that amazing gift.

Find humor in your un-sprinkled cookies.

Because I can guarantee you this: the stable where Jesus was born smelled a whole lot worse then those burned cookies in your oven.

Peace on earth.

Focus on Him.

The rest is just icing on the cake.

Or cookies as it is in my case. 🙂

Photos by Marcus Wallis, Diego PH, Josh Boot, Yeshi Kangrang, Kira auf der Heide, Alex Ware on Unsplash and me. 🙂

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

Scrooge

Published on December 7, 2019June 14, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Be careful to obey all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 12:28

Ever read A Christmas Carol?

My eighth graders read it with me this month.

I know we’ve all seen the movie or the play twice or a dozen times.

We know the story well.

But have you actually ever read it?

It’s so much better.

The text portrays the struggle like no movie can.

The struggle between selfishness and generosity.

Between hate and love.

Good and evil deep in one’s soul.

The wrestle between habit and change.

The text opens depicting Scrooge as a vile human being.

He’d rather kill the poor than shove meager crumbs their way.

He looses the love of his life because his “golden idol” has replaced her.

It takes trips to his past, present and future to finally change Scrooge’s heart for good.

Stave 4 depicts his future.

His soul is overcome with grief at how his sorry life is forgotten, all his worldly gains vanishing into the hands of thieves.

His grief is profound, even gut-wrenching.

At the end, Scrooge is found begging for the chance to change his future.

He is pleading with the Ghost of Christmas Future, desperate to know if there is still time to change what is to come.

To my eighth graders, I posed a question:

What if God showed you a movie of your future, based upon your character of today.

What would you see?

And I ask you.

Are the choices you make today creating the future God wants for you?

Or are you forging ahead on the path to death?

May it not be so.

Let us wake from our sleep, recognizing how much God can accomplish through us.

May we recognize the choices God brings to us and choose wisely.

And may God bless us, every one.

Photos by Erwan Hesry & Greyson Joralemon on Unsplash

Watered Wood

Published on November 30, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 1 Kings 18:38

What watered wood do you have on your alter?

What?

You heard me.

What wet, un-burnable wood do you have on your alter?

Meaning, what unbelievably impossible burdens do you carry?

What disastrous situations are you declaring unsolvable today?

That’s what watered wood is.

Situations that seem utterly impossible.

That’s because they are.

Utterly impossible.

In your strength.

But not in God’s.

God doesn’t care if your wood on the alter is soaked.

He’ll still send the fires of heaven to burn it up.

Accepted.

God does not care just how big your burden is.

Because He is always bigger still.

Always.

Remember Elisha’s altar when he was proving God’s superiority against the enemy’s false gods?

He bet God would burn his sacrifice even with the extreme amounts of water.

Remember, fire and water don’t mix.

And God came through.

He was more than enough, burning everything in an instant.

And He’ll do the same with you.

He’ll take your burden, your seemingly impossible situation and take care of it.

Completely.

But only if you trust Him.

Allow Him to work.

Allow Him by giving everything to Him.

Then watch Him work it all out.

Completely.

Photos by Ramiz Dedaković, Gregory DALLEAU, Joshua Earle, & Nathan Lindahl on Unsplash

Triumph

Published on November 23, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14

Are you winning?

Are you living in triumph?

Unbended trust in Christ results in triumph.

1 Corinthians 2:14 reminds to have “thanks be to God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ.“

When our ways are hidden in Him, we are confident and fruitful.

No matter the trial,

No matter the circumstances,

Wherever God places us, we are led in triumph.

Want to be on the winning side?

Of course you do.

We all do.

I can tell you whose side you must join.

God’s.

Live for Him.

Allow Him to work through your every choice.

Rely on His wisdom to guide you.

And whatever comes your way,

You’ll know He is sovereign.

In complete control.

And the triumph He gives will begin to create your beautiful countenance.

May we purpose in our hearts to be thankful, surrendering each moment to God for His glory and triumph.

Photos by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash

First to Forgive

Published on November 16, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

My forgiveness towards others should not be dependent on how sorry they are.

Or if they even ask my forgiveness towards them.

Because they might not.

Might not think they were wronged.

If you find yourself in this boat (and we all will time and again), you’re in great company.

My company, but that’s not who I want to focus on.

Jesus.

He’s our greatest example of forgiving others before we asked.

While suffering on the cross, Luke 23 records Jesus declaring, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Jesus forgave the people around him, while they were still hurling insults.

He forgave those who murdered Him before they repented.

Way WAY harder to forgive that than our petty situations.

And He forgave us before we ever asked.

He has forgiven us already.

But we must claim it.

We must ask Him for what has already been done.

Only then are we set free.

Only then are our sins wiped away.

In turn, YOU will be free when you freely give others forgiveness.

Who in your life has not asked forgiveness of you?

Have you already forgiven, exchanging the hurt for God’s peace?

Photos by Alireza Esmaeeli & Andre Hunter on Unsplash

Renew

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

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Are old Christians allowed to have smudges?

Smears and smudges on their hearts and minds?

Of course.

You know we all do.

Wait, what is an old Christian?

Not a new one.

One who has walked with God a bit.

A few days, years, or even a lifetime.

We all talk about new Christians, those babies who are new in their faith.

We give them lots of liberty because after all, they are just learning!

Not sure we extend the same grace to old Christians.

Or should I say more experienced Christians.

We make mistakes just like all the rest of humanity.

Our dedicated lives get distracted.

Our character becomes selfish.

Our moods are affected by other sour souls.

When this happens, rare as it is, what do we do?

It’s so not rare, am I right? 🙂

Psalm 51: 10-12 confirms the fact that humans need to renew their hearts continually before Almighty God.

David writes, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

David, the man who clearly was used by God several times in the Bible we still read today (think important person!), needed God to clean out His heart.

He needed God to renew God’s spirit within him.

To replace his selfish human-self with God, Himself.

Are you asking God for a clean heart?

To renew your spirit with His?

We cannot function without God’s power surging through our veins.

That, folks, begins with our heart and soul.

Freely ask God for more of Himself.

If David asked, so can you.

Photos by Cristian Newman & Clay Banks on Unsplash

Restore

Published on November 2, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:12

Is it alright for Christians to bend to themselves?

Bend to the world?

No, but we do it anyway.

We forget about God.

We forget about His incredible sacrifice and salvation freely given.

David forgot.

In Psalm 51:12, he asks God to “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation”.

That tells me he needed to be reminded.

Needed to focus on what was important.

Verse 12 closes with this request: “…uphold me with a willing spirit.”

What?

David sometimes lacked a willing spirit to follow God?

David, who wrote the most beautiful prayers and praise to God in Psalms, at times lacked a willing spirit?

We know he did because he messed up.

Royally.

Do you lack a willing spirit?

A willing spirit to follow what God wants you to do?

Ask Him to help you.

Ask God to uphold you with a willing spirit.

Means you want Him to fill you up with His power, keeping you firmly planted in what is right and good.

Before you do anything else, ask Him.

Ask God for a fresh infusion of the Holy Spirit.

Ask God to restore the joy of your salvation.

David, a man after God’s own heart, knew when he needed God’s intervention.

And so do you.

Sounds like a plan to me.

Photos by jana müller on Unsplash

Something More

Published on October 26, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

And to them he said, “You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.” Matthew 20:4

Within your life, there will always be something.

Something more to be unhappy about.

Something more to whine about.

Complain about.

Honestly, there will be always be something more to cry about.

Breaking your heart.

Am I right?

Comparing your life to others is usually the culprit.

One’s mood can crash to the floor if we allow a view into someone else’s garden to spoil the view into ours.

What is your view?

Isn’t it easy to compare?

When we compare, we become critical.

Critical of the other, delving into pride.

Or critical of ourselves, stooping into self-pity.

Gardens are all different.

Lives are all different.

In reality, even those who seem to have it all together, have their sinful secrets.

Their moments of crap, so to speak.

Enjoy the garden God gave you.

Investigate the new plants He has planted for you.

Water it and feast in it’s beauty.

Ignore the other gardens until you can gaze at theirs with absolute delight for them.

Delight for your friend’s garden.

If you find yourself unable to, remove all social media from your life.

Just for a season.

Remove it, turning your focus to Jesus and the garden He has brought to you.

Spend your new free time on your garden and Jesus.

Learn to appreciate it’s beauty.

And then stay off social media forever.

Or not. 🙂

Photos by fotografierende on Unsplash

No Longer Slaves

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

And the hand of the Lord was upon me there. And He said to me, “Arise, go out into the valley, and there I will speak with you.” Ezekiel 3:22

What if you were no longer a slave to fear?

What if you decided not to sit under the rule of anxiety, worry, and doubt?

What if you decided you were not that girl who reacted in fear?

Or you are not that boy who lashes out in anger when wronged?

What if you were no longer sitting in darkness alone?

What if you declared instead your life was now God’s alone?

What if you pushed aside all your fleshly misgivings and plunged forward into what you know God wants for you?

What if you stepped out of the boat and walked in faith into God’s plan for you?

What if you put your strong feet where your mouth has been all these years?

What if you declared today is the day the Lord has made, and I will now rejoice in it?

What if you actually stopped, laid your burdens down, and ran into the arms of Jesus without looking back?

What if today was the first day of the rest of your life trusting God completely instead of your old ways?

I can tell you.

If you do that, you will be forever changed.

You will smile bigger than before.

You will walk freer than ever.

You will be filled with God’s peace, which is beyond understanding.

The what if can only be answered by one person.

You.

Photos by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Bottom Line

Published on October 12, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11

When you strip it all away,

When you remove all of the extra fluff,

When you focus on what is truly important,

You focus on God.

God is everything.

He is the beginning and the end.

He is eternity.

Eternity is infinitely longer than life on earth.

Next to God, people come next.

How much are you praying for the people God puts into your life?

Praying they will know God with all of their heart, soul, and mind?

Because that’s all that matters.

Jobs come and go.

Houses are built and eventually crumble away.

Children are born and grow, leaving to live on their own.

Meals are prepared and eaten.

There will always be more to do.

There’s only one thing certain that will last forever.

Your relationship with God.

And your loved one’s relationship with the Almighty.

Again I ask,

How much are focusing your temporary life to bring more with you to heaven?

It’s easy to let the pleasures of this world distract your focus from things eternal.

God wants us to enjoy this life, yes.

But make sure you also focus on your people.

They need your prayers more than you know.

Photos by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Known

Published on October 5, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Blessed be the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant. 1 Kings 8:56

How is God known?

Through the things that don’t make sense in our lives.

Through the trust we show when the next step we cannot see.

Through His grace demonstrated in us each and every day.

Through His love poured out from our fingertips to others.

Through His peace we feel while tossed to and fro.

Through His forgiveness we give to those who’ve deeply hurt us.

Through the giving we provide to those who lack.

Through the servant we become when thinking more of others.

Through the prayers we pray and the answers that surprise us.

Through the deliverance of trauma, healing the holes left behind.

Through the wisdom we have when asking God for help.

Through coming out on the other side of life’s trauma.

And living, not dying from it.

God is known through our Bible reading, our praying, our worship, and our very lives.

Each and every day, God is known through the big and small things.

How well do you know Him?

Well, I hope.

Photos by Marlon Langoni, H A M A N N, & Aaron Burden 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

Greatness

Published on September 21, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done. Psalm 78:4

Greatness does not lay in the office one holds.

Greatness does not exist in the way a person looks or what one possesses.

Greatness pours from character.

Excellent character.

Character that produces servant leadership, stirring the will to follow, bringing others alongside.

Greatness does not exist apart from God.

Apart from God, we are not great.

Humans can do good things, yes, but on our own strength, our good things fall flat.

Flat as a pancake.

Greatness lies within all of us.

It’s there, waiting for God to call it forth.

Sometimes, God calls it out of us, asking us to walk on higher ground.

To walk above it all, carrying others alongside.

In order to be used by God,

In order to be called into greatness, we must submit ourselves to Himself.

Submit ourselves to His will for us.

Not think of ourselves first and foremost.

Coming from DC last week, George Washington comes to mind.

His humble servant heart was called into greatness by God.

God used him to orchestrate our great country.

Think of the consequences if Washington had said no to God.

Had instead secured himself into the safety of Mt. Vernon.

What would our country be like today?

Would America even exist?

Submit yourself to God and see where He takes you.

Even if it’s influencing your immediate world, His greatness will be noticed.

The greatness God wants to call you into may or may not rise to the level of our founding fathers, Billy Graham, or Amy Carmichael.

But it just might.

Photos by AMY MECHAM on Unsplash

Resist

Published on September 14, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13

How do you resist God?

With what words or actions do you tell Him no?

He will never insist.

He will never beg.

He simply tells you His truth and waits.

Waits for you to come to Him.

No manipulation.

No threats.

So how do you resist Him?

Ignoring His prompts to share His grace.

Busying your schedule, crowding out time in His Word.

Choosing entertainment before praying for your family.

Deciding against what you know is right, obeying your flesh instead.

Listening to the lies in your head instead of His truth you know.

Succumbing to selfishness instead of serving.

The list goes on and on.

Resisting God equals loving ourselves more.

But what if you invited God to take over?

What if you, instead of focusing on yourself first, asked God what He wanted?

Continually asked God what His plans are for you each and every moment?

What if you considered God all day?

Instead of merely before bed when you pause and pray?

We resist God when we focus on ourselves.

Instead, resist yourself and focus on Him.

Focus on God.

Photos by Nathan Dumlao, NeONBRAND, & Markus Spiske 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

Belief

Published on August 31, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12

How high is your belief?

Belief in God.

Belief in His goodness.

Belief in His faithfulness.

Belief in your God-given gifts.

How much do you believe?

How deep?

I can say things until I’m blue in the face.

Others can share God’s truth over and over.

But unless you take His words into your heart, they mean nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

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We all have our own choices.

To believe God or not.

To believe Him when things are rolling along nicely.

But to also believe Him when you’re plodding along in a deep dark forest.

How deep is your belief?

Even when you cannot feel His hand, do you know He’s still there?

Even when you’re disappointed yet again, do you look instead to His faithfulness?

It’s normal to flip a bit.

To flip on belief when a doubt enters your brain.

A thought pops into your head, planting a doubt, and you respond like you almost agree.

Instead, when little doubts land on your arm, slap them like a mosquito, killing them on the spot.

Ain’t nobody got time for that.

Doubt that is.

Why?

Because doubt always leads to something else.

If you don’t immediately slap that doubt away, it stays in the corner of your mind, coming to the surface every so often.

Something else a few minutes or hours later will try to confirm that doubt.

Now you’ve got a bigger problem.

That “confirmed” doubt has doubled.

Folks, it only gets worse from there.

Doubts are believed when belief in ourselves overtakes our belief in God.

When we determine it’s up to us to be happy.

It’s up to us to solve our moments.

Our belief in God is the cornerstone of everything.

If we don’t believe He is enough, we search.

If we don’t believe He is faithful, we doubt.

If we don’t believe He is here, we panic.

Keep your belief deep, so your roots are well watered when the ground above is parched.

When life is cracked and dry, you will still thrive because your roots are well-watered.

Choose to deeply believe, because life is very real.

Photos by Liam Pozz, Jeremy Bishop, & Christopher Paul High on Unsplash

Purpose

Published on August 17, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of Your hands. Psalm 138:8

What if God’s purposes are for you, not against you?

His purposes you don’t yet understand?

What if God’s ways are higher than yours?

Ways you don’t yet fully see?

What if His allowing trials in your life are for a purpose greater than your very life?

What if His tests are to grow your strength in Him?

To grow your faith in Him?

What if He allows things in order to use you to change others?

What if He plans to use your sorrows through your living, human example of walking through into new life with Him?

Would that make a difference to you?

If you knew that?

That His ways are higher than yours?

Do you trust Him?

Completely?

What if your consistent faithfulness to God in the face of evil is used to glorify Him?

Would that matter?

Would that make a difference?

I think yes.

When we trust God is ultimately in control, our walk is a bit easier.

Steps are easier to take when we know our ultimate purpose is to live for Him.

And the tiny little fact that He is using us.

Using you to bring others to Himself.

You might still step into mud, but you know He is right there to lift you out.

God will use you when you trust in Him.

And it’s just a bit easier to trust Him when you remind yourself of His purpose for you.

To be that light to others.

May your trials be that mush easier as you align your will with His, resting in the knowledge that His purpose will be fulfilled in your precious little life.

Photos by Anita Austvika and Ben Eaton on Unsplash

Thank you

Published on August 10, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings, I will sing for joy. Psalm 63:7

Are His praises ever on your lips?

Is your thankfulness dripping off your tongue?

It’s so much easier to complain.

Grumble.

Whine.

It’s easier because it’s more natural.

Natural in our human mindset.

But what if you turn it all around?

What if you change your focus to how good He is?

What if you change your laundry list prayer life to a time of thankfulness?

God is so good to us.

My summer has been anything but restful.

Moving.

Organizing our material possessions and selling things we deem ridiculous to own.

Sudden job loss.

New house delays and issues to deal with.

Launch new business from scratch.

Start of a new school year with my school under construction.

Whew!

Believe me, I’ve complained. 🙂

And when I’ve complained, my world becomes ugly and gray.

Full of despair.

But when I’ve changed to thanking Him for all of it, it’s amazing to me how my world, my same world, becomes beautiful and bright.

Full of hope.

Declare how good He is and thank Him in advance.

You’ll be surprised at how peaceful and hopeful you’ll be.

But that really shouldn’t surprise you.

Focusing on God always points us to rest.

To Him.

To His goodness.

Thank you God for all of it.

Thank you God for finishing our beautiful home and bringing the workers.

Thank you for fixing our website and delivering our materials soon.

Thank you for giving us Your wisdom in all that we do.

Thank you for giving me and my teacher friends grace and peace as we enter the new school year still under construction.

Thank you for surrounding our children with godly friends and influences.

Thank you for always taking care of us and going before us every step of the way.

You are so good.

So good to us all.

Thank you.

Now it’s your turn!

Photos by twinsfisch 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

Stamped

Published on July 27, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

I just love the following quote: Be stamped with God’s nature, and His blessing will come through you all the time. (Oswald Chambers)

Stamped with God’s nature means to be marked.

To follow God.

To follow His will in me.

To mirror ourselves after Him.

To keep inline with Himself.

To reject self-pity when faced.

To reject fear when faced.

To reject jealousy when faced.

To react in life how God would want you to react.

To react with His nature through you.

Through me.

Because when we do this through Him, His blessings will follow.

God’s abundant peace will flow through your fingers.

God’s perfect love will cast out all fear.

God’s total acceptance of you will keep you safe and secure.

We can only be stamped with God when we decide to follow Him.

And we can only stay stamped and fruitful with His strength in us.

That’s the miracle.

God uses weak humans to fulfill His purposes here on earth.

He uses us to bless others.

But only if we do our part.

Only if we allow Him to do it, rejecting the flesh when moments arrive.

I want to be continually stamped with God.

I want to let God’s blessings flow through me to others so they can taste the goodness of God.

You?

Photos by Amador Loureiro, Marcus dePaula, & Susan Kirsch on Unsplash

Ugly Poster

Published on July 20, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

What does it look like?

The big ugly poster you see when you begin to think poorly?

When you start dwelling on the nasty?

What does it look like?

Your big ugly poster.

Because you tend to hold it up too much.

You’ve seen it enough times to know what it looks like.

Mine really doesn’t have any pictures on it.

It’s mostly black.

Dull.

Frankly, all it does is obscure my view.

My view of all my blessings.

You?

Guessing yours is similar.

Sometimes the big ugly poster can change, adding hurt from the past.

Or dreams that were crushed.

Or people who have broken you.

Or situations you wish were different.

Guess what happens when you only see the big ugly poster?

Your mood becomes absolutely horrid.

Your fears begin to hold center stage in your vulnerable brain.

Hopelessness and despair become your companions.

Time to put it down.

With God’s help, put it down.

Tear it to pieces.

Train your arms to never scoop it up again.

And if you forget, throw it down instantly, as if it were poison.

Because it is.

Your big ugly poster is poison.

The antidote to fear is security.

Look around and see how God has provided for you.

The antidote to hopelessness is hope.

Open your eyes and see all the blessings God has poured out on you.

Remember.

That’s the answer.

Remember God is in control and remember all He has done for you.

And will do.

Stand up straight.

Straighten your crown.

And smile.

And while you’re at it, step on that poster.

Photos by Kelly Sikkema, Corinne Kutz, Brandi Redd, JESHOOTS.COM, & Fiona Smallwood on Unsplash

Stealer

Published on July 13, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinnea4 Comments

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

What steals your peace?

Your joy?

What types of things get your goat, causing you to focus on the ugly?

Turning your eyes away from life?

Anything can steal your peace.

I’m guessing lots of things do with you, with me, with us.

They can be little stupid things, or big ones.

Pictures.

I love hanging things on my walls.

My husband not so much.

He prefers clean walls.

Me, too, but I also like a few pictures.

So, we compromise.

Could we let our differences steal our joy?

Of course!

One can justify lots of moods, can’t we?

But should you let it steal your joy?

No!

Enjoy the compromise.

What?

Yes, enjoy the compromise.

Let it change you.

Our new home is sporting natural Nebraska grass.

I think I even see a couple large sunflowers sprouting from the earth.

All around us are neatly manicured lawns with lovely sprinklers turning on every morning.

We notice them on our daily walks.

But not us.

We still have the natural grass, I mean weeds.

Tons of weeds.

Supposed to be finished a couple weeks ago, but there’s been rain delays.

That annoyance can steal our joy.

Pull our eyes away from the incredible home we now love.

Focus on the blessing, not the not yet completed annoyance.

Let it change you.

Forgot to unthaw the frozen chicken for dinner and now your hangry attitude is beginning to color your vision?

You can either be perturbed beyond belief, creating an atmosphere of toxicity or you can choose to focus on the yes.

Yes! Food is readily available, easily obtained from another section of my ample pantry or convenient nearby drive-through.

I also don’t have to daily plan for hours, coaxing a fire or hauling water to feed my family.

Hallelujah!

Satan knows how to steal our peace.

Why?

Because he’s known you for years.

Wants you to be miserable.

So, the next time something pops up to steal your peace, say no.

Don’t let it.

Don’t let the joy stealer anywhere near your mood.

Focus on the Peace and Joy Giver, who created all things.

Focus on Him and the little annoyances will all fade away.

Today, I choose to focus on Him.

Will you?

Photos by W A T A R I, Kat Yukawa, Jason Long, Tikkho Maciel, & Zhu Hongzhi on Unsplash

Voice

Published on July 7, 2019June 14, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. Ruth 3:11

How loud is your voice?

Have you forgotten how it sounds?

When you are faced with disappointment, does your voice disappear completely as you become invisible?

Find it.

It’s there.

Somewhere deep inside.

Don’t think you can?

Why?

Are you feeling defeated?

Like you don’t count or can’t be loved?

Those are lies and you know what to do with those: throw them out!

When those thoughts enter your precious brain, refuse them.

You are worth it.

Say that out loud.

I am worth it.

There.

I knew your voice was in there somewhere.

Your voice becomes rusty when you haven’t used it for awhile.

When letting people run all over you has become a daily habit.

Sometimes, when life has beaten you down, your voice becomes hidden.

Like a precious jewel.

Uncover it.

God made your voice.

And it’s beautiful.

Do you believe me?

You should.

Your voice is a melody unique to you.

Your thoughts and opinions are from your precious self.

God created you to be a strong, loving, kind person.

You must use your voice to become the person God intended.

When something is troubling you, say something.

When you have an opinion, voice it.

You are worth it.

I know -I’m naturally a people-pleaser, and I literally hate it when others are mad at me.

Well, that’s fine, but I cannot let that desire to please others squelch my voice.

Squelch who I am.

God gave me my voice for a reason, and I must stand up for myself.

So should you.

Be nice about it of course.

Using your voice is not meant to be in anger or an irritation to yourself and others.

It’s merely speaking up for yourself.

Making your thoughts known to your loved ones.

Did someone upset you?

Speak up.

Nicely.

Use that voice.

Your relationships will become rich with meaning and your emotions will be at peace.

Ask God to continue changing you into the precious child He created you to be.

Ask Him to full His purpose in you, and that includes not being a wall flower, I promise you!

Practice in the mirror.

Then flash that pretty smile and speak.

Photos by Madison Bersuch, wenkui xiao, Alex Lopez, & Ben White on Unsplash

Fear’s Enemy

Published on June 30, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Luke 10:19

Truth.

Truth is Fear’s enemy.

Why?

Because Fear wants you to ignore truth.

Fear wants you to focus on worry, neglecting all things true.

What are you afraid of?

What fear has gotten a hold of you?

Ever think you’re not good enough?

That’s fear.

God’s truth holds that you are enough just by being you.

Fear of rejection begs us to ignore ourselves, bowing instead to unloving our very selves.

Afraid you’ll lose your job?

Doesn’t God hold all things in His hands?

Doesn’t He promise to bring you your needs like He clothes the flowers in the fields and the sparrows of the air?

Can you be a Christian and still fear?

Absolutely.

Why?

Because we forget Whose we are.

We forget and turn instead to our flesh filled minds, churning out our own responses to life.

When Satan (or fear) whispers a doubt in your mind, what is your response?

Do you agree with it?

If so, that’s an invitation for fear to move on in.

Makes it even easier the next time, which I can guarantee you will happen.

You know that.

What if, instead, you refused it?

You declared God’s truth instead?

You would win, that’s what.

Your mood would stay out of the toilet.

Satan wants fear to rule your life.

To dictate your every move.

To make you apprehensive of making any mistake at all.

To become afraid to use your voice, standing up for yourself.

To worry about being alone.

To worry about being a substitute wife, because you’re not his first one.

To compare yourself to others who have had space in a loved one’s heart.

Fear is based on the faith of the unknown.

The what if.

Don’t you dare base your life on what if.

Base your life on what now.

Base your life on what now with God.

He knows.

He cares.

He’s enough.

Kick fear to the curb.

And slam the door.

Photos by Yusuf Evli, Aaron Burden, Adam Muise, & Aime Cox-Tennant 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

Set the Pace

Published on June 15, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 1 Corinthians 11:30

How fast do you live life?

At what speed do you spend your minutes?

Fast and furious with a never-ending list waiting to be accomplished?

In a tizzy when things are not completed on the timeline you have declared as law?

Hurriedly completing tasks as you rush past moments that matter?

How’s your mood during all of this?

Fabulously happy and content?

Or are you miserably managing to keep the pace, wearing instead a frown?

If you look around, you will see it all.

All that needs to be done.

I know.

I just moved.

It’s been 3 weeks and I had hoped to be all settled, pictures hung and hot meals on the table from my newly inventoried freezer.

Seriously?

Yep.

It’s laughable.

I mean, yes, I could throw things into nooks, but hubby and I want to literally go through everything, keeping only what we wish.

And that, my friends, is a daunting task as we filled our 920 square foot garage with all of our earthly belongings.

And some were in the house as well.

Gulp.

My pace lately has been busy.

Why?

Because I know it’s a season of settling.

That’s ok.

But I realized something today as I stood for a half hour drinking my coffee.

I felt guilty thinking of sitting, so I was standing.

What?

It’s like I knew I had way more to do, so I stood, thinking I could quickly jump to move something before taking another gulp of my morning liquid gold.

For heaven’s sake, sit down.

In order to accomplish more of what God wants us to do, we must carve out space to sit.

To sit and not do.

To sit and marvel at all we have done.

All God’s done.

Instead of looking at life as a frantic pace with a never ending list, change your focus.

Focus on your priorities: God, spouse, kids, all else.

Yes, organizing my new house affects my spouse and kids, honoring God; however, God never wants you to accomplish His will at the expense of your sanity.

Overall, your pace should reflect God.

Your face should reflect God.

Your life should reflect God.

And God reflects peace.

When your life reflects God, His peace will fill your mind, body, and soul.

When your face reflects God, your body will react to life with peace.

And when your pace reflects God, your schedule and activities will be peacefully attained.

And your list will end, because you’ll allow yourself to sit.

Can I get an amen?

Allow yourself margin to sit.

Sit back and enjoy all the blessings God has given you.

It’s not a guilty pleasure.

It honors God to thank Him.

Thanks, God. 🙂

Photos by Albert S, Kelly Miller, Markus Spiske, & Gaelle Marcel 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

Please Pray!

Published on June 1, 2019June 1, 2019 by amylinnea1 Comment

Oh precious Jesus,

Thank you for life.

For relationships.

For love.

Thank you for caring so much about us, that You gave up Your life.

For us.

Thank you for Your perfect peace, which passes all understanding.

Please surround my dear sweet student and her family.

As you know, they lost their precious mother last week during an accident.

They are devastated, understandably.

Lost.

Please surround them completely with Your peace.

Your comfort.

Let them know beyond a shadow of a doubt that You love them.

That You are in control.

That You have their back.

Fill their minds with Your peace.

Fill their rest with sleep.

And fill their empty spaces with Your love.

Be real to them.

Be present with them.

Help them to lean on You as their Rock in the storms of life.

This is an epic storm, Lord.

Guide them to safety.

To peace and rest.

Securely guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

And bless them abundantly, as they are Your servants.

Be real to them, oh God.

Thank you, sweet Lord, for all You do.

Hem them in behind, beside, and before.

Comfort them in all their tears.

Secure their thoughts and hearts in You.

In Your precious name we ask, Amen.

Photos by Jon Tyson, Olivia Snow, Samuel Martins, & Naassom Azevedo on Unsplash

What Then

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

Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

What if I told you there is a Friend who knows your name?

Not only your name, but every thought you’ve had, every tear you’ve shed, every smile you’ve given?

Who longs to be your first confidant and constant lifelong companion?

What if I told you there is a Provider who will meet your every need?

Who longs to shower you with blessings if you let Him?

Who will not only give you food to eat, but food for your parched and weary soul?

What if I told you there is a Comforter who hears every cry?

Whose heart breaks with yours, yearning to remove every one of your burdens, big or small?

What if I told you there is a Protector who carries all authority in heaven and on earth?

Who longs to stand not only at your physical door, but your mind as well, slaying giants seen and unseen?

What if I told you there is a Shepherd who wants to guide your every step, keeping it from slipping?

Who longs to gently steer your words, thoughts, and deeds towards life and not death?

What if I told you there is a Father who wants to give you everything you could ever possibly need?

Who longs to not only protect you, but love you unconditionally, providing you with wisdom, truth, and every good thing?

What if I told you His name is Jesus and all of it is real.

True.

Available.

Today.

What then?

Remember Who He is.

Remember Whose you are.

And trust.

Always.

Begin again, today.

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

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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?

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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

Release

Published on May 11, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32

What if you decided to release all of the junk?

All of the junk you keep in your brain?

Un-forgiveness of others.

Memorized list of how each hurt you?

Deservedly yes, but it was so yesterday.

You’re only hurting yourself, you know.

Internally, your body reacts poorly when you hold onto things.

How do you know if you still have junk?

The thought of that person brings it all up again.

Washes over you like a sickness.

What if you released it?

Deliberately deciding not to hold onto it, no matter what it is?

Declaring yourself unoffendable?

What if, the very next time someone “hurts” you by their words, you, instead of launching into poor me, decided not to claim that pain at all?

Refusing to participate?

You’d enjoy freedom.

If people cannot offend you , you will remain peaceful.

Not a license to turn you into a doormat.

Talking about little things.

Snide remark from a child.

Spouse not treating you perfectly.

Taking a boss’ criticism personally instead of separating it into doing your job better.

Jesus wants His kingdom to come here on earth.

Was He wanting us to live our salvation in freedom on earth?

Not wrapped up by the bondage of past offenses?

Freedom in Christ means the freedom to forgive.

Forgive and forget.

Doesn’t mean you are blindly trusting others who have proven themselves unworthy.

But the pain isn’t kept.

The pain doesn’t keep you in bondage.

Your body cries out for freedom.

Your mind cries out for freedom.

Your soul is free.

Let’s choose that freedom today.

The choice is yours.

Photos by pan xiaozhen, Gianandrea Villa, Robert Metz, & Jason Dent on Unsplash

Your Grave

Published on May 4, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

Have you walked out of your grave?

Seriously.

With our God’s saving power pulsing through your veins, you are free.

Free.

You are no longer bound by the death of this world.

Death from words has no power over you.

Deathly situations will no longer paralyze you.

Death from fear of the unknown no longer consumes you.

The absence or death of joy, filling yourself instead with insecurity, can no longer claim you.

So,

Have you walked out of your grave?

You’ll know because you’ll feel the freedom God so desperately wants to give you.

When God saves your soul, first and foremost, you are headed to heaven.

When you die, you no longer worry where you will forever remain.

However, there is a second part.

God longs for you to be saved from this world here on earth as well.

Saved from the death all around you.

Saved from deathly words swallowing you up.

Saved from deadly situations paralyzing you.

Saved from fear of the unknown consuming you.

Saved from joyless living, aligning yourself with insecurity and unloving thoughts.

Jesus wants to redeem your life on earth, too.

He wants you to walk around completely loved, completely valued, and completely prized.

Why?

Because you are His.

His beloved.

He has saved you from not only eternity away from Him, but He has also saved you in this world.

You are victorious.

You are free.

Together with God, you are victorious over anything this world throws at you.

Have you walked out of your grave?

Photos by Rubén Bagüés, Jonathan Farber, Scott Rodgerson, Alexander Andrews, & Matthew T Rader on Unsplash

Stand Up

Published on April 27, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

When it comes down to it-

When the rubber meets the road-

When the time has come-

What will you decide?

What will your choice be?

Will you stand up?

Mock?

Or stay seated?

When life turns a corner….

When left unsupervised….

When no one who matters is looking…

What will you decide?

No one can see your heart.

Literally, no one can see your true self.

But we can see your actions.

Your words.

Your inaction.

Those reveal your true self.

They witness the desires of your heart.

So I suppose, yes, we can see it.

Your true self.

Clearly.

But beyond the rest of the world, your God sees.

Nothing escapes His notice.

Nothing.

Whether you trust Him for your life or not, He sees.

He sees everything.

Absolutely everything.

Your tears He tenderly watches when no one else is there.

Your triumphs He rejoices as He longs to see you thrive.

But He also sees your blunders.

Witnesses these as well.

When you bend to the world, spewing forth ugly words, He sees.

When you succumb to popularity, demeaning those inferior to you, He sees.

When your will bends to the winds determined by your peers, He sees.

When you mock authority in secret or in public, He sees.

When you pretend to follow God, He sees.

When you laugh with degrading jokes, participating in your heart, He sees.

He sees and He knows.

While you might succeed at fooling the world, you will never fool Him.

God, our ultimate judge.

Stand up for what you know is right.

Stand tall among the crowd.

When you do, that little guilty feeling which always accompanies an error big or small, will dissipate.

Be a light.

In this world, you’ll either bring light or darkness wherever you go.

Which would you rather do?

Next time you face a questionable situation, will you stand up, mock, or stay seated?

Stand up.

Photos by Vladislav Babienko, Javier Allegue Barros, & Helena Lopes on Unsplash

Empty Tomb

Published on April 20, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. Luke 24:1-3

I came today.

I came to see my Lord.

With me I brought the best spices I could afford to place upon His body.

I still cannot believe He died for us.

For me.

He gave His life for us.

He literally paid for my sins.

I owe Him my life.

I pause at the bottom of the hill, catching my breath.

My Lord and I had such wonderful talks.

He taught me so much.

So many truths.

He valued me like no one has ever valued me before.

He gave me hope.

Purpose.

And now He’s gone.

I can’t think about that as I am in a hurry to bring my spices to the tomb.

I cautiously approach, not wanting to unnecessarily disturb the guards.

Suddenly, I stop.

The tomb is open.

There are no guards.

Wait, what?

I run into the tomb, spilling the spices onto the floor.

His body is not here.

Where is it?

What have they done with it?

I look down.

His cloth is here.

But He isn’t.

I stand, dumbfounded and still.

Suddenly I remember His story.

The one about His resurrection.

Could it be?

No.

Yes?

I sink into a heap upon the floor.

Yes.

If Jesus said He would rise from the dead, then yes, He has.

But where is He?

Putting one foot in front of the other, I exit the tomb, searching the surrounding countryside with my eyes.

Peter, one of His disciples, runs up to me, so excited he can hardly breathe.

Catching his breath, he announces to me Jesus is not here, because HE HAS RISEN from the dead!

What?

Searching his eyes, I realize he is telling the truth!

I hurry with him to join the others in the upper room.

As we gather, the empty tomb is excitedly discussed .

Then, all of a sudden, there He is.

With us.

He is here with us in the room.

In the flesh.

Alive.

Jesus.

My Jesus.

He extends His hands to Thomas, who doubted from the beginning the entire story.

Thomas is instantly convicted, ashamed he ever doubted His Lord.

Filling with compassion, Jesus embraces Thomas and then all of us, one by one.

My Lord and My God is alive.

Fully alive.

Literally.

He has conquered sin and death once and for all.

Hallelujah!

I run from the room unable to contain myself, shouting to anyone who will hear, “Jesus is alive!”

This news is too good not to share.

Everyone needs to know.

Everyone.

And now you know.

You are reminded that Jesus, your sweet Savior, is alive.

Fully.

Now and forevermore.

He has paid for our sins.

All of them.

Yours and mine.

How will you share the good news ?

Because share we must.

Photos by Brooke Lark, Rod Long, Autumn Mott Rodeheaver, Aaron Burden, Irina , & simon wood on Unsplash

God’s No

Published on April 13, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21

Is God’s no His mercy towards you?

Is His answer of no an extension of His grace?

When we pray, we do not always get what we wish.

Our heart’s desires are not always given.

But isn’t that the mercy of God?

Doesn’t He know best?

Sometimes an answer to prayer is no.

No doesn’t mean God has forgotten you.

That He doesn’t love you.

Sometimes His great love is shown to you through an answer you do not want.

Through His no.

So the next time His answer to you is no, remember His goodness.

His knowledge of time from the beginning to the end.

His desire to give you every good thing.

When Jesus prayed in the Garden for His suffering to be avoided, God said no.

It was no because God had greater things in store.

Jesus asked, but He also prayed for God’s will to be done.

God’s will done in your life might also mean no.

No for certain things.

But yes for others.

Pray for your heart to align with God’s.

So when His no arrives, you still expect nothing less then goodness from the heart of God.

God’s Continuing Provision

Published on April 6, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He causes me to stand on the heights. 
Deer are so nimble.
Unlike us.
We tend to fall.
A lot.
But deer rarely stumble.
God made them that way.
When we trust God, He will cause our feet to stay strong.
Firm.
Securely on the path He has opened for us.


He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 
God helps us fight.
He shows us what to do and just how to do it.
He gives us His incredible strength to accomplish great things.
Necessary things.
We are amazed at our strength when we are strong through Him.


You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great. 
God helps us, saving us, shielding us.
We do not falter with His right hand steadying us.
Keeping us upright.
More than upright, but successfully tall.
Standing tall and unharmed.
Perfectly whole.


You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way. Psalm 18:33-36
God creates the path and walks with me, guarding every step, ensuring I don’t fall. 
All I must do is trust His way, holding onto Him.
The way is unknown, every step taken in faith; however, it is very good. 
Why? 
Because God is perfect. 
God is good. 
I am His.
And He is mine.
Photos by Matt Palmer, Rebecca Prest,Guillaume Briard,Orlova Maria, & Karsten Würth (@inf1783) on Unsplash

Listening

Published on March 30, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Proverbs 4:20

How are you listening to God?

Are you even listening?

Or are you talking to God, demanding what you wish to be…?

We all have plans in our head of how we wish life to unfold.

We all have ideas of where we’d like to go in this one life.

Ever think about what you pray for?

Do you spend most of your time asking God for things?

Showing Him your laundry list?

How much time do you spend praising Who He is?

Reminding yourself of the absolute awe you should feel?

Or listening?

How much time do you spend silent, listening to His whispers to your heart?

In life, the rule is to listen more than you speak.

How about in prayer?

We should listen more than we speak.

Listen to the heart of God.

Yes, ask Him for His provision, protection, and peace.

But devote most of your prayer to listening.

If you’re too busy talking, you might even miss your answer.

Obedience to God

Published on March 23, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess. Deuteronomy 5:33

When we obey God, His power rushes through us to others.

Why?

Because “behind the deed of obedience is the reality of Almighty God”.

An incredible preacher, Oswald Chambers penned that phrase in the last century.

The thought is so profound, I’ve spent days thinking of it.

When we love others with His love, we affect eternity.

When we become the hands and feet of Jesus, His love touches others through us.

When we obey God, His power is unleashed.

His love is let out.

His healing is released.

His peace is felt.

Think you’re insignificant?

Focus on this: your obedience can allow others to see God.

God.

God?

Yes, God.

Oh my.

Photos by Jakob Owens 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

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