Tag: Faithful

Purpose Again

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I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

Recently finished a little project.

Sitting behind a large microphone, I read my entire devotion out loud.

Every single one.

Took over 16 hours and boy was it fun!

I’ve always enjoyed acting or reading aloud to my students or at church, so this adventure was right up my ally.

But, it was so exhausting.

Sitting there, wanting each word to portray the correct emotion or meaning does take it out of you. Went to bed at 8:30 two of the nights!

Listening to my voice in the headphones, it almost seemed surreal.

What, God, do you want me to share? How do you want your message conveyed?

As I kept reading month after month, the message became clear.

Tell them how much I love them.

Tell them how faithful I am to them.

Tell them how faithful I always will be to them.

Warn them of the lies they still believe.

Remind them of their choices between life and death.

Tell them I’ll help them, every step of the way.

Tell them life won’t be easy, but I can give them peace.

Only if they choose Me.

God is so good to us, and we often forget Whose we are or Whose power lives in us.

We forget and forge on alone, battling this and that in our human strength alone.

Purpose again to live for Him.

Purpose again to trust only in Him.

Purpose again to put your hand in His, allowing Him to walk you down the path He has specifically just for you.

Photos by Minku Kang, Karine Germain, and Keith Misner on Unsplash

Bye, Bye Bacteria

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My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

Well today, I’m a bit grumpy.

Just over two days ago, my face erupted again into a painful bacteria infection.

Folks, it’s ugly inside and out.

The pain and burning is like nothing I’ve ever experienced.

Except for the last time this happened.

Three months ago, was my first time driving down into the depths of you know where with my bacteria enemy.

That time was worse as I did not have medicine right away, and when I finally got some, it didn’t work, leading me into another round a few days later.

Sheer misery.

Like this time.

Except this time, I was able to score the drugs that worked. On the first day!

Still waiting for them to wipe it all away, but I’m thankful.

That was God’s handiwork.

He’s also helped me through friends, knowledgeable in healing me with natural products.

I’ve become a walking experiment.

Oregano oil is really awful, but helps heal wounds and fights bad bacteria.

Worth it.

Coconut oil (not melted as I don’t care anymore) can be eaten instead of swallowed.

Really helps destroy bad bacteria, which I am in dire need of.

I picture the medicine and oils running around my body, searching to destroy the bad bacteria when sighted.

I could go on with a few more examples, but you get the point.

When we are ill, we become desperate for it to end. Yes?

Desperate enough to ingest things I never thought I would!

Makes me wonder how desperate we are for God.

It’s easy to ignore Him when life is expected. Calm.

But those are the times we should continue clinging to Him, expressing our gratitude for all He does for us.

For all He is for us.

So here I sit. Waiting.

Waiting on God to move or use the tools handed to me for relief.

But that’s ok.

Waiting before God begs us to trust Him.

To trust this too shall end.

He will come through.

I know this because of all the ways He’s been faithful to me.

What do you need to lay before the Lord today?

What do you need to trust God with, even when you seem stuck where you are?

Be still and know that He is God. Psalm 46:10

Photos by Kristine Wook, kazuend, &Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

Faithful in Little Things

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

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

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

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

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

I brought it especially for today.

For today’s offering.

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

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

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

Thinking nothing of it afterwards, a new day dawns.

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

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

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

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

I am amazed.

Like, for real.

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

They stand out from the others. Crystal clear.

I think it’s all part of God’s plan.

We need to remember glimpses of His faithfulness.

His provision.

Proof He sees us. All of us.

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

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

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

Every little detail is inspected by God.

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

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

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

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

Hannah’s Submission

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

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

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

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

Was she despondent? Or at least grieving?

Probably. But her lips declared the glory of God.

His holiness. His sovereignty. His steadfastness.

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

In her case, the continued joy of motherhood.

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

She chose God.

What about you?

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

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

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

What could be better than that?

Nothing this world offers, I guarantee you.

Remember Hannah’s words.

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

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

Guaranteed.

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

Living with Jesus

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

Who is He to you?

Jesus.

Was He simply a nice guy?

Model of morality?

Or your King of Kings?

Savior of your soul?

Yes to all of the above.

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

Is He more than your King?

More than your Savior?

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

Is He your friend?

Your confidante?

Your comforter?

Your secure dwelling?

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

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

Completely paid for.

Miraculous.

His role for the here and now involves your everything.

He wants to be your heart’s cry.

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

And everything in between.

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

Taking other precious souls with you when death arrives.

Are you letting Him?

Letting Him be your everything?

If not, you’re missing out big time.

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

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

Surrender your life beyond asking Him to save your soul.

Saving your soul is the first step.

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

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

Simply ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit.

Talk to Him throughout the day.

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

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

That, my friends, is living.

Photos by Kari Shea & Jenny Ueberberg on Unsplash

Needing God

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

God, I need You.

I need Your strength.

Mine is all gone.

I need Your love for others.

Mine is all used up.

I need Your peace.

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

I need Your love for me, too.

Mine is all gone.

I need all of You.

Because all of me is used up.

Fill me anew with You.

Cover my ugly shivering self with Your arms.

I need Your safety.

I need Your protection.

I need Your security.

I need You.

You are always faithful.

Always.

In every single thing as long as I ask You.

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

But I choose You.

Totally.

Completely.

Absolutely, I choose You.

Fill me up with all of You.

Only then will I begin to hope again.

Only then will I have strength to keep going.

Only then will I be as I should.

Photos by Tony Eight Media & Ben White on Unsplash

Belief

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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

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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.

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

 

Real Life 2.0

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Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God. Psalm 43:5

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Ever have a pity party?

Honestly, they’re fun.

It’s fun to wallow in poor me.

Why?

Because when we join our pity party, we feel comfortable.

Safe.

It just feels right to complain.

To utterly concentrate on the ugly.

It’s like the Sadness character in the movie Inside Out.

Nothing you can do to change her mind.

She’ll always just be sad.

Now wait, isn’t it OK to be sad?

Why are you dumping on being sad?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine to be sad.

Normal, in fact.

Healthy.

It’s healthier to be sad and grieve something then to simply ignore it, pushing your feelings down to your toes.

But the feeling of sadness and grieving is not a pity party.

It’s not poor me.

It’s simply sad.

You are choosing to grieve, but not demanding others give you a behavior green card.

An allowance to act however you choose, because after all, you deserve to after what you have been through!

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I’ve had a pretty bad week.

Actually a bad 2 weeks.

A week ago, we found out our 8 week old unborn child was only 6.5 weeks and did not have a beating heart.

Then a few days ago, we discovered it was not meant to be.

And I’ve been waiting for my body to cooperate and get back to normal ever since.

Hence my foul mood.

While it’s perfectly normal for me to feel sadness, to grieve what will never be, I crossed the line.

I had a big old pity party.

I moved from sad to depressed.

It was not pretty, folks.

Real life.

While I know in my head what is the truth, I still chose to wallow in myself.

Aren’t you supposed to count your blessings when you’re down?

Yes, but that’s not as fun as feeling plumb sorry for yourself.

I even had several cookies.

And lots of wine.

But God’s faithfulness prevailed, as it always does.

I’ll never get those days back, but I can remember for the future.

Remember the clear difference between pity and sorrow.

With God’s grace, I’ll choose wisely next time.

Will you?

After all, it’s real life.

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Photos by Paola Chaaya, Pim Chu, & Masaaki Komori on Unsplash

Hope

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I relieved your shoulder of the burden; your hands were freed from the basket. In distress you called, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder. Psalm 81:6-7

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What is hope, really?

Knowing the situation will improve.

Seeing signs of improvement.

Signs of hope.

The dictionary defines hope as believing, desiring, or trusting.

Do you have hope?

Doesn’t matter what situation you are thinking of.

Can be big or small.

Hope your child will return their reverence to God.

Hope your boss will recognize your hard work.

Hope your puppy will finally see the big bathroom, which is outside.

Hope your spouse will pick up dinner for you.

Some hope isn’t reasonable.

Hope your child will, on their own, make a fabulous dinner or rub your aching feet.

Hope taxes will forever say goodbye.

Hope winter in Nebraska will stay in the 50’s at the very least.

But real life hope is possible.

Needed, in fact.

If you don’t have hope, you really have nothing.

Deep in winter’s grip, we have hope for spring’s warmth.

During an especially tiring workday, we have hope for the weekend’s rest.

And when children are small, we have hope they will become more and more self sufficient.

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As Christians, we have hope for eternal life, living forever with God.

When we continually trust God for things in this life, our hope increases.

When we faithfully ask God to intervene, placing our worries at His feet, our hope increases.

When we realize we are not in charge and thank God that He IS in charge, our hope increases.

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Place your hope in Him.

Your belief, desire, and trust as the dictionary defines.

And when doubt comes a knockin’ at your door, don’t answer it.

You don’t need that.

Because you have hope.

Real hope from God above.

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Photos by Diego PH, Guilherme Stecanella, Catherine McMahon, Rose Erkul, JOHN TOWNER, Ron Smith, & Nong Vang on Unsplash

How did He?

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Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually. 1 Chronicles 16:11

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When did You know?

When did You know how You would ultimately die?

How were You not completely overcome with anxiety at almost every moment after?

When did You know You were the Son of God?

When did You grow to love all of humanity with all of our issues and sin?

Did You always want to save us?

Because of love?

When did You realize You were our only hope?

God’s plan of salvation was You.

Was that almost too much to bear?

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On top of all that, You were human.

With human needs like thirst, hunger, and the need for rest.

How did You not snap at people when your last meal had been hours previously consumed?

How did You function so utterly flawless when You were completely exhausted and couldn’t even think straight?

You amaze me.

You were fully human, so Your power had nothing to do with it.

You simply did it.

Your life was not easy, yet you were the perfect example to us all.

You carried the burdens of the world and it did not sway your path for one moment.

Teach us.

Teach us to hold our tongues when things don’t go our way.

Teach us to love others when they don’t at all deserve it.

Teach us to spread Your love and salvation to others.

And teach us to simply trust You.

That’s what You did.

You trusted the Father, who had the perfect plan.

You.

And our Father is faithful.

He was completely faithful to You and He will be completely faithful to me.

To us.

Always and forever.

Oh may we be more and more like You every day.

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Photos by Aaron Burden , Roman Averin , & Hugues de BUYER-MIMEURE on Unsplash

Psalm 23:6

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Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6

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Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

When I follow Your lead,

When I want nothing, because You provide all things,

Goodness and mercy will be with me every single day.

Your favor will be with me when I choose to have You on the throne of my heart.

When I move over and submit to Your ways, the mercy of God will stay with me all my days.

God’s mercy and favor in my life will follow me when I let the Lord, who is my Shepherd, lead me all the days of my life.

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And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Eternity with God.

When we put our trust in our Shepherd to lead us through life, He will lead us through it all: every hill AND valley.

But we never need to fear, because He provides all we need.

He prepares our souls for trials, walking with us through to the other side.

His protection extends to defending us in front of our enemies.

Forever dwelling with Him.

I want nothing less.

How about you?

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My Shepherd Celebrates Me

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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

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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.

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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.

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My Shepherd Leads Me

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

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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.

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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.

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Quiet Your Heart

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

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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..

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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.

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God’s Timing

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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

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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.

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Stay the Course

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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

Change the Picture

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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.

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Photos by Gantas Vaičiulėnas & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Rewards of Faithfulness 

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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

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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.

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Photo by Karen Ciocca on Unsplash

His Perfect Ways

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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

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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.

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But then it came to me.

God is perfect.

His ways are perfect.

When sin entered the world, death followed.

We daily choose between life and death.

Why does He allow brokenness?

Or suffering?

Not for me to say.

It’s on my list when I get to heaven.

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

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

If we’ll let Him.

His answer of peace amidst the storm is perfect.

And His ever present help in trouble.

Call to Me and I will answer.

So yes, His ways are perfect.

And we are thankful.

Photos by Yoonbae Cho & Judith Prins on Unsplash

Shalom

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

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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.

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Layers of Trust

Published on 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

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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.

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Anticipation or Expectation

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

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

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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.

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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.

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Part of His Plan

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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

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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.

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Our Focus

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

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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?

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Slow Down, Sister

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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

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Photos by AARN GIRI & Jan Meeus on Unsplash

Call to prayer

Published on 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

Faithful Companion

Published on 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

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 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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Up to Us

Published on 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

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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.

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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

Leave It

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

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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

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

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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.

CHURCH ROOF AND CROSS

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Redeemer

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The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

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To regain.

Recover.

Exchange.

God is our Redeemer.

He exchanges our sinful selves for a pure soul worthy of heaven.

Nothing we can do on our own merit.

It’s through trusting in His saving grace.

He redeems our souls, but what about life here?

Does He redeem our situations?

Can He?

Is He able to pick up our mess and exchange it?

Does He make all things new in His timing?

Absolutely.

God is not only the Redeemer of our souls, but He is also the Redeemer of our lives here on earth.

He recovers lost years.

He helps us regain our strength.

Our trust.

He exchanges our brokenness for new life.

When tragedy strikes, He is more than willing to redeem our situation.

How?

By trusting Him.

By placing everything back into His precious lap.

By remembering His goodness and believing He has the very best for us.

Redeem.

To me, it means new life.

New breath.

New opportunities.

He has exchanged my sadness for joy.

Ask Him to do the same for you.

Photos by Maria Oswalt & Олександр К on Unsplash

Jesus Loves Me

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

Jesus loves me this I know

For the Bible tells me so

Little ones to Him belong

They are weak, but He is strong.

Do you know Jesus loves you?

Do you really know?

He does.

With everything He has, He loves you.

How can we be certain?

The Bible tells us so.

We are His children and we belong to Him.

Connected.  Joined with Him.

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

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

Why?

Because we belong to Him.

And because He loves us so.

What a stunning reminder of His faithfulness.

He knows it all.

He’s seen it all.

And He’s not going anywhere.

Because we belong to Him.

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Humble Yourself

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Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10

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Are you humbled that God whispers your name?

That the Creator of ALL things even notices you?

He does more than notice you.

He crafted your very existence.

He ordains your days.

He allows you to experience life as He orchestrates the seasons and shows the wonder of His creation.

He opens your heart and fills it with love and companionship through your family and friends.

He fashions you with a great capacity for learning every little thing.

Yet He gave up all His glory for a relationship with you.

You.

That’s how much you matter to God.

I end my middle school classes with a signal for dismissal.

“Don’t ever forget,” I begin.

“We matter to God,” replies the class.

God humbled himself to you in order to reside in your heart.

Humble yourself and let Him.

Photos by Mayur Gala & Yannick Pulver on Unsplash

Witness God

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe y ou would see the glory of God?” John 11:40

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When faced with complaining, you have an opportunity to witness God’s power.

We cannot behave properly without God, so we must allow Him to work through us.

Disgruntled situations provide freedom to let God move.

But only if we choose to respond with life.

Most of us choose darkness or crabbiness when life smacks us in the face.

When that response feeds our flesh, poison is spread and God’s peace slips away.

What if we responded with love,

with grace,

with the wisdom of God through the power of the Holy Spirit within us?

What if every moment of disappointment was covered with desiring God’s purpose,

His love,

with His grace and mercy?

What if we looked at every distressing situation with the opportunity to experience God’s sovereign help?

To experience God’s power changing us from the inside out?

We have the option to let God work through us.

Each time He does, we are covered with a layer of His mercy and love.

When we choose to bend our ear to His wisdom, He responds with heaps of Himself.

I know it’s not fun to witness disappointment.

But instead of wallowing in self-pity, choose life.

Think about how you now have yet another opportunity to trust God.

To trust your precious Savior who wants what is best for you.

And when you trust Him, He fills you again with His perfect peace.

So the next time disappointment stares you in the face, think instead, “Oh sweet relief!  Here comes more of God to blanket my soul.”

Then choose to depend on Him to keep your attitude holy.

Photos by Євгенія Височина & Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

 

Unbelievable Power

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The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.   And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.  Romans 8:11

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He will give life.

To you.

Right now.

So here’s a question:

Why is any Christian walking around defeated?

Full of self pity or poor me?

Why do we let anger drag us down to the pit?

Why do we allow worry to fill our brains with dread?

Why do we become overwhelmed with life?

Because we forget.

We forget whose we are.

Are you wandering aimlessly through life, cowering at every arrow thrown your way?

Or…

Are you walking with purpose in every step, deflecting arrows whenever they fly?

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

That’s unbelievable power.

And it lives in you.

Stand taller and be bold.

Don’t let annoyances steal your joy.

  Repeat to yourself: “None of these things move me……!” 

God’s power in you is to be used for His glory.

Pray for others.

Serve others.

Show God’s love to the world.

His power will shine through you if you just ask.

And there’s plenty to go around.

Photos by Jackson David, Guillaume de Germain , & David Banning on Unsplash

What Moves You?

Published on by amylinnea7 Comments

My dear mother shared this verse with me today:

“But none of these things move me….” Acts 20:24

Paul goes on to explain his pristine focus on the mission God had entrusted to him.

Earthly things didn’t move him.

Including death.

How about you?

What moves you?

Or should I rephrase this:  what shouldn’t move you that does?

Moods

Disappointment

Unfairness

Jealousy?

I’m so guilty.

Situations can move us in an instant towards ugliness, selfishness, or (gasp) distrust in Almighty God’s plan for our lives.

“But none of these things move me….” Acts 20:24

Plaster this verse somewhere to retrain your brain.

Try replacing the word “things” with a more personal noun:

None of the children’s moods move me.

None of the sales calls annoy me.

None of the traffic moves me.

(Literally, I’m not moving.)

None of my mindless chores move me to irritation.

None of my unanswered prayers will move me away from God.

Notice the key word repeated in each phrase?

None.

That means ZERO percent of it affects you.

NONE of it dares to move you from living in peace to living with fear or worry.

Wow.

Why is it even possible for none of these worldly things to move us?

Because we’ve already won.

Jesus is victorious.

The power that raised Him from the dead lives in me.

And you.

I’m going to wave my arm like a princess, declaring “But none of these things move me”.

Join me and keep your peace.

Photos by Church of the King, Ales Maze, Esther Ann, Ben White, & Alex Perez on Unsplash

Questioning God

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Who am I to question Almighty God?

What gives me that right?

His ways are above mine.

He holds our future in His capable strong hands.

Our job is to trust Him with faith like a child.

Oh we can have conversations.

We must.

We beg Him to explain His purpose.

To explain why.

It will probably turn into a little whining and fussing, and that’s ok.

But we stop at the threshold of why, turning back instead to trust.

You’ll feel better when you share your heart with the One who created it.

Picture God as your big strong daddy.

Tug on His arm and climb up onto His lap.

Let Him hold you in His gentle arms as you tell Him your troubles, your concerns.

All of them.

Let Him dry your tears, reassuring you He’s got it all under control.

He’ll lead you all the way home.

Just walk with Him and trust.

And when He turns a way you wouldn’t, keep your hand in His, never letting go.

He will never lead you wrong. Ever.

Photos by Guilherme Stecanella, Aaron Burden, & Jessica Delp on Unsplash

 

Focusing on Jesus

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

He said, “Come.”  So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. Matthew 14:29

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When life is swirling around you, fix your eyes on Jesus.

Completely.

Step out of the boat and go.

When your focus is Jesus, He will provide all of your strength.

But the moment doubt pores in, you’ll sink.

Your focus will shift to you and your circumstances without God’s help.

Fear and panic will be your guide.

However,

The moment you turn back to Jesus and ask Him to step in, He will.

He will reach out His hand, continuing to guide you to safety.

Rescuing your heart and mind from death.

When Peter stepped out onto the water, his focus was not on the waves, the water, or his inability to walk on water.

His focus was on Jesus.

Only when the Peter began to rationally think about his circumstances instead of trusting Jesus, did he begin to sink.

But when Peter focused back on Jesus to save him, Jesus immediately stepped in.

And He will always do the same for you over and over again.

Every. Single. Time.

Barefoot on the Sand

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Right Where You Are

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

In His hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are His also. Psalm 95:4

He has you where He wants you.

Jesus.

He places us in spots where He can use us.

Do you ever wonder why He chose this spot?

I do.

Sometimes things don’t make sense.

Logically.

But that’s not our job.

To make sense of it all.

That responsibility rests on God’s shoulders.

Our job is to trust Him.

Trust that He knows what He’s doing and will cover us with His feathers (Ps 91).

His protection. His grace.

I’ve had quite the journey lately.

My favorite teaching place never materialized.

My first teaching job nicely pushed me out the door.

My “dream” teaching job evaporated.

My first long-term sub job was a mistake.

My next job offer I refused as I knew it wasn’t God’s plan.

But the very next day, God flung wide the door.

It is so right.

mf747

My job doesn’t make any logical sense.

Why?

Because I jumped multiple grade levels.

I’m implementing a new program with a new subject.

And was hired less then a week before school starts.

But I know God’s here.

I’m right where He wants me.

And I know I’ll do an amazing job – ONLY because He will guide me every step of the way.

I don’t have my teacher safety net filling me with lessons from years past.

Everything about this job is foreign.

(might launch into a kindergarten calendar poem with 13 year olds)

The absolutely only thing I can do is rely on Him.

It’s comforting.

Peaceful.

Step out of your comfort zone.

See where God takes you.

And yes, my first day was fabulous.  🙂

Photos by Nadine Shaabana, Priscilla Du Preez, & Anton Sukhinov on Unsplash