God’s power

Purpose Again

Published on February 22, 2025February 22, 2025 by amylinneaLeave a comment

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

Warrior

Published on November 20, 2021June 14, 2023 by amylinnea4 Comments

For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 1 John 5:4

Where are you?

I’m over here.

Where?

Here. In the corner. I’m a huddled mess.

You are? Oh, now I see something over there. What did you say you were? A huddled mess?

Yes. I’m crouched down in the corner.

No, you’re not. All I see is a giant warrior standing tall.

You do?

Yep, in the same corner you say you are.

What do you see?

A giant warrior wearing shiny brass armor covering every square inch. And a gleaming helmet. Oh, and a beautifully sharp sword.

In my corner? You don’t see me?

Hold on, let me walk over. Now, do you see me?

Yes, I see you coming towards me.

But I’m walking towards the warrior. Wait. That’s you.

Me? I’m the warrior?

Yes. Look down. What do you see?

Oh my goodness. I see a sword. And armor. And I’m looking through a helmet.

God has covered your weak self with His very own power. You are literally no longer a huddled mess.

But I still feel like a complete wreck.

You might feel like that, but you don’t look like that with God’s power covering you.

I see a warrior.

God’s warrior.

Remember when you prayed for God to fill you with Himself?

Well, He came and did just that. You are now completely covered by God, because you have chosen Him.

Guessing the devil won’t bother messing with you looking like this as he sees you as God’s protected child.

I sure wouldn’t want to mess with you covered in God’s power like you are.

So even though I feel like the same person, when I prayed for God to fill me with Himself, He actually covered me with His power?

Praise God! Well, this changes things, now doesn’t it?!!

Watch out world, here I come, a beloved, protected child of God!

God has set me free and I will stand tall because His power lives in me.

Oh God, please fill us up with Yourself today, tomorrow, and always.

May we constantly be reminded that we are Your child.

Loved.

Protected.

Safe.

And let us never forget to live within Your power as we fight every lie, sinful deed, or selfish way.

Photos by Nik Shuliahin, Brownyn Erb, & Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Published on April 3, 2021June 14, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11

As our thoughts are focused on Jesus this Easter weekend, let’s think a moment on God’s power.

God created all things.

God (Jesus) lived on earth as a human.

Folks, He never sinned.

Even when hungry, He never snapped.

Even when tired, He still blessed others.

Even knowing how He was about to die, He still did.

For you and for me.

He allowed Himself to carry our sinful burdens to die in our place.

But He didn’t stay there.

He rose from the dead, conquering sin and death once and for all.

He healed.

He set people free physically, mentally, and spiritually.

And He’s sitting at the right hand of God Almighty, interceding for us each day.

That’s power.

Real God power, not fake movie power like Marvel or DC (sorry folks!).

But that same real power from God lives in us as Christians.

Romans 8:11 says so.

It says if God dwells in us (through the Holy Spirit), then God will give His life to our bodies as He lives within us.

God, who raised Jesus from the dead, will live within you.

I want that life surging through my veins.

How about you?

Ask Him.

Continue asking Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit.

Stop dragging your feet around in misery.

Stop focusing on all of the crud life has thrown your way.

Stop listening to Satan’s lies you know deep down are not true.

And focus on God.

He raised Jesus from the dead.

And He can raise you to life here on earth just the same.

But you must choose to rise up from your grave of sin, death, and destruction.

Fling off the dirty rags of self.

With God’s power, you will be set free to live for Him on earth.

Today, declare Jesus lives in me and I choose to focus on Him.

Hallelujah, He is risen.

He is risen indeed!

Photos by Timothy Eberly, & Yannick Pulver on Unsplash

Toilet Paper

Published on March 14, 2020June 11, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

The spirit of fear is real.

And it is NOT from God.

Nor are the feelings of panic or anxiety.

They are also NOT from God.

Rushing to purchase extra toilet paper stems from fear.

Combing stores for even more supplies rises from fear when your pantry is already overflowing.

Submitting to anxiety while watching the news creates a response in your body that long term, will lower your immune system.

Science backs it up.

Fear is not good for you.

Fear binds you up.

Fear causes you to react irrationally.

It is the opposite of peace, which is ordained by God.

Instead of fear, God has given us power.

His power.

He has given us love.

His love.

And He has given us a sound mind.

His.

When we refuse the thoughts of fear and embrace God’s words of truth,

When we submit to His love for ourselves and others,

And when we use His power to stay in peace,

Fear will melt away.

Anxiety will leave.

Our mind, body, soul, and spirit will be filled with Him.

Choose to focus on Him.

Choose to weight fear with wisdom.

You’ll be able to walk away from the toilet paper, the eggs, or the cleaning supplies at the store, leaving it for someone who really does need it.

Yes, we all like to be prepared, but let it rise from wisdom, not fear.

And in the end, trust in Him for all of it.

Even more toilet paper.

Photos by Joseph Barrientos & Claire Mueller 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

Toxic poison

Published on September 8, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21

Are you affected by poison?

I know we never knowingly ingest the stuff.

I’m talking about subtle poison.

Toxic people.

Toxic situations.

Lies from the pit.

Poison like that is all around us.

It infects us frankly easier than literally ingesting liquid.

So what should you do when you find yourself without warning in the midst of poison?

Suddenly surrounded by the bad stuff?

Refuse to participate.

Isn’t that what they teach kids about drugs?

You bet.

It’s good advice.

Refuse.

Don’t let your heart become drawn.

Set your mind against participation with fear or disappointment.

Keep your head and rise above it, staying in peace.

Poison is meant to infect.

It’s goal is to inflict pain, cutting you to the core.

So don’t let it.

Sounds simple, but in reality, it’s pretty hard.

Our nature tends to succumb to temptation.

In this case, succumbing to the temptation of pain.

Pain is familiar.

Anger is familiar.

Disappointment is familiar.

These toxic reactions are poison.

I have an example.

Recently, someone produced gifts for everyone except for me.

It was a pointed attack, meant for harm.

If I had let the toxic poison sink deep, anger and depression would have clung to my soul.

Instead, I refused to participate, letting the disappointment fall to the ground.

I did not let the toxic power take hold.

If I had, the poison would have won.

Just what the person wanted.

Battling toxic people or situations can only be done with God.

God is on your side.

He is present and fights for you.

He wants every good thing for you.

He is on your side.

Don’t you want to be on His?

You can be when you resist toxic people and situations.

Try it.

I have complete confidence in you.

With God.

Photos by Lisa, Zachary, Bryan, & Seb on Unsplash

Literally

Published on September 1, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

He asked you to preserve his life, and you granted his request. The days of his life stretch on forever. Psalm 21:4

I ask again.

Why are any Christians down?

Why do any of us ever loose hope?

Because we’re human.

Because we are forgetful.

I could say dumb, but I won’t.

Whose are we?

I’ll tell you Whose.

God’s.

Literally, we are God’s children.

His beloved.

God, who created ALL things, including us, loves us.

He watches over us.

He goes before, behind, and beside us.

He knows our every thought before we utter a word.

He knows the beginning from the end.

He knows our deepest desires.

AND, He’s given us all authority on earth.

Authority over the earth, including the devil.

When Jesus died for our sins, He restored the order of heaven.

For all who believe, He cancelled death and the grave.

He cancelled death while we live, too.

What?

Stop walking around like you’re dead.

You have God’s power in you.

Use it.

You have God by your side.

Act like it.

You are in the company of the Most High who wants to be your closest friend.

Act like it.

Ask Him for His peace which passes all earthly understanding.

Ask Him for His love to flow through you to everyone you meet.

Ask Him for His wisdom to guide your moment by moment decisions.

Ask Him for faith beyond what you can see.

Ask Him to fill you up with His very self.

His faithfulness will astound you.

Utterly leave you speechless.

But only if you stop and really think about Whose you are.

You matter to God.

Completely.

Photos by Erica, Fadi , David ,Blake, & Liv on Unsplash

Clinging to God

Published on July 21, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and He answered me from His holy hill. Psalm 3:3-4

Life is mostly wonderful, isn’t it?

Filled with so many good things.

But there are many moments when your mind can slip into despair.

Or grief.

Or just plain irritation.

Each of those moments can be opportunities to cling to God.

To let Him change you.

To let Him cover you yet again with His goodness.

When you are facing those moments of ugliness, embrace them with the knowledge that He is enough.

God will fill you up with His power.

His ability to overcome.

It’s easier to face life when we know we are not alone.

We can see God work when we are dependent on Him.

And more importantly,

We allow God to work when we are dependent on Him.

May we continue to depend completely on God for every breath we breathe.

Photos by Arleen wiese ,Johnny McClung , & Danielle MacInnes on Unsplash

God’s Light

Published on March 17, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

No darkness in Him, period.

No worry.

No fear.

No ugly attitudes.

No selfish me monsters.

No self-hatred.

No pain.

God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.

In God, there is only light.

Goodness.

Mercy.

Love.

Security.

When we place our trust in God, He resides in us.

Because He resides in us and He is light,

His light shines through us, snatching away the darkness like fear, worry, and our incredibly selfish ways,

1 John 1:6 continues, “If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”

When profess our devotion to God, yet listen to the lies of Satan, choosing words or actions opposite of God, we are liars.

“You are nothing.”

“You are not worth it.”

“Might as well stop praying as it will never make a difference.”

Listening to those places our actions in opposition to God.

God’s ways are light.

When you walk in God’s light, it looks like peace.

Even if you heaps of trash are forced upon your path, you are still in peace.

The absence of fear and worry.

When you walk in God’s light, it looks like security.

He is always by your side, guiding your every step if you’ll let Him.

God’s light is real.

God’s power is real.

His light can shine through you every moment of every day.

But you have to choose.

Will you fall into fear, worry, and selfish motives, thus stepping into darkness?

Or will you practice the truth, God’s truth, and remain with Him in the light?

I for one don’t want to be a liar.

I want to choose God each and every day.

May He help us do just that, covering us with grace when we stumble along the way.

And may we remember to get back up, choosing to walk again with God in His light.

sweet-ice-cream-photography-88754-unsplash

Photos by Mike Labrum, Gabriele Ribeiro, & Adrien Tutin on Unsplash

Belonging

Published on February 24, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

But now thus says the Lord, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

Do you know your value?

Do you know Whose you are?

First of all, you were made in the image of God.

The image of God.

God’s image is stamped all over who you are.

What you are minus sin.

God designed you.

And He doesn’t make mistakes.

Wait, there’s more.

When you become a child of God,

When you put your trust in Him,

You become His.

You become His once again.

You are now a daughter or son of the Most High.

A child of God.

Royalty.

Know how moms and dads care deeply for their children?

That’s how God cares for you.

God, who knows all things, thinks of you often.

The One who created ALL things thinks of you, because He wants to.

Because you are His.

Hang on, it gets even better.

Not only are you royalty, but God’s power lives in you.

When you are His child, because you trust in Him,

You are not only a son or daughter of the King,

But you have His strength and power pulsing through your veins.

The very same power that raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.

You were made in the image of God.

You are royalty.

You have God’s strength and power covering you from head to toe.

You are valuable.

So much so, that Jesus gave up his earthly life for you.

So, remember Whose you are.

God’s.

Photos by Kawin Harasai, Elena Ferrer, Ashton Mullins, & Enis Yavuz on Unsplash

Rejecting Ourselves

Published on February 17, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17

Satan wants us to reject ourselves.

He will desperately try to confirm the lies he places in our head.

Allow me to say that again: Satan will desperately try to confirm the lies he places in our heads.

He won’t usually tempt us by announcing himself amid large startling bangs.

The temptation to sin will sneak upon us until we do not even notice it’s existence.

There are many ways to tempt us, robbing us of our peace.

More than one way to skin a cat, my father always says.

Gross, I know, but the metaphor excellently describes life’s choices.

There are many ways to study for a test.

Many paths to success in your job.

Multiple menus to cook for dinner.

Way too many delicious coffee concoctions at Starbucks, but that is another blog entirely.

However, let’s be clear: there is only one path to God.

Through Jesus.

Satan tempted Jesus, wanting Him to sin, not perfectly dying for our sins.

And like Jesus, Satan wants us for himself.

If we can be tempted one way, but suddenly wisen up, Satan can entice us another way with the same exact carrot.

And when that temptation dries up because we mature, there will be a hundred and one new and different ways Satan will continue persuading us.

And be assured, he will.

So be on your guard.

Every single day.

Be full of God’s power, rejecting the lies of the enemy, listening instead to the truth of God.

We are almost predictable in our human responses, so getting us to reject ourselves is actually easy.

But with God’s power in you, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, you can resist ANYTHING.

Rise up, and claim your victory in Him.

Stand firm, resting in the truth of God, rejecting the lies from the pit.

Photos by Giulio Magnifico & wu yi on Unsplash

Witness God

Published on November 15, 2015June 6, 2023 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

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

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