none of these things move me

Holding Your Tongue

Published on December 17, 2022December 15, 2022 by amylinneaLeave a comment

It’s so easy to defend yourself.

Sometimes, you should.

You must.

But other times, it’s preferable to keep quiet, allowing the other to make a fool of themselves.

We are responsible only for ourselves.

Our actions.

Our words.

Our choices.

When you become agitated with your spouse, pause.

Takes maturity to look at things from their perspective.

Humility.

You could be wrong, you know.

And if you are, own it!

And if you’re not, say your peace in a quiet manner, and leave it.

You cannot convince others of your viewpoint if they refuse to move from theirs.

Remember, it’s their choice to walk in your shoes or not.

Just Iike it’s your choice to view theirs.

Goes for friendships, neighbors, co-workers, and your boss.

When your point of view is negated, your feelings thrown to the wall, you have a choice.

You can participate with the foolishness, upping the ante, or you can choose to walk away with your dignity intact.

I know what Jesus would choose, as he regularly chose it while walking this earth.

He chose the high road.

Make your point and go, feeling a bit of pity instead for their ignorance.

Fasten your crown, and declare once again, “None of this moves me.”

Photos by Shana Van Roosbroek & david laws on Unsplash

Prickly People

Published on October 23, 2021June 14, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

You know the type.

Recoils when you give a loving pat.

Or even a loving word.

They shun it, choosing instead to dwell on their own misery.

Their prickles scream stay away or else.

You don’t see them at first.

But after the initial reaction, they are completely obvious.

Well, they are obvious, plus you notice a trickle of blood down your arm from their stab.

Ouch!

What did you do?

Think back.

Anything there?

Maybe if you have a teenager, you looked at them wrong.

Or you limited their freedoms based on their choices.

Or insisted they eat veggies before dessert.

Oh the horror!

Guessing you saw prickles.

Maybe your spouse isn’t themselves, responding to your loving words with apathy.

Or they recoil in horror when you suggest a change.

Ouch!

Maybe your friends have a prickly text response.

Maybe your boss is unapproachable and all you feel are prickles.

How about the checker, assuming you still use a real person.

Through no fault of your own, they might be prickly because of their job or life circumstances.

What should you do when encountering prickles?

If you fight back, deliciously succumbing to fleshly desires, you’ll get pricked.

Stabbed.

Blood will trickle out.

Ouch!

Sometimes, their attitudes have nothing to do with you.

You are simply in the way.

Other times, it is directed specifically at you.

I’ll ask again.

What should you do?

What would Jesus do?

Love them.

Provide grace through strength.

Infuse His peace into the circumstances.

While you must stand firm with adolescent discipline, sprinkle in some grace.

Don’t allow yourself to be wounded with someone else’s pricks.

Those are meant to harm you.

But only if you let them.

Stand tall.

Wear your crown, and declare none of this moves me.

I will stay in His peace as I keep my eyes steadfast on Him.

The author and finisher of my peace.

Photos by NeONBRAND, buddika Gunathilaka, & frank mckenna on Unsplash

Other’s Opinions

Published on July 24, 2021June 14, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He.” Isaiah 43:10

Why do we allow others to steal from us?

We allow others to step into our minds, stealing one of the most valuable items we own.

Our peace.

Which affects our security.

And our sense of being valued.

Securely loved.

Just for being us.

When we allow someone to take away our peace, we are choosing to believe their small opinion of us instead of God’s.

I’m not in any way referring to ill behavior on our part, justifying their words.

Normal, everyday annoyances.

Spouse not thinking of you first.

Or at all while they get coffee for themselves.

Or choose the agenda not asking for your input.

Children, who fly into anger at the drop of a hat, blaming you for their problems.

Neighbors who voice displeasure over your landscaping choice.

Bosses who praise the next person, passing over you most times.

Drivers who have zero consideration for your pressing need to merge.

Restaurants with distasteful food you still must pay for.

Everyday things.

Why do we allow little things to bore into our very souls, determining our moods?

We take those opinions, which are dependent upon the other person’s sour moods, as truth.

We accept them as truth over God’s.

Over what you know to be the absolute truth.

That you are loved.

Secure.

Precious in the sight of God.

Never alone.

Always covered.

Safe.

The next time you are tempted to agree with someone’s poor mood towards you, stop.

Brush it off.

And declare “none of this moves me“.

Perfect.

Photos by Timothy Eberly, Gabriel Jimenez, & Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Wonder Woman ’84

Published on January 9, 2021June 13, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

How are you blocking God from showing you what He has for you?

How are you blocking your freedom from springing forth?

How are you blocking God’s peace from covering every fear?

How are you blocking the very presence of God through what you hold too near?

When we hold onto things we shouldn’t, we block our progress.

When we hold onto the way we think things should be, we block God from moving.

When we hold onto our old familiar fears, we block God’s peace which passes all understanding.

When we hold onto things from the past, focusing on the loss instead of the present, we block God from carrying us into the future He has for us.

Yes, God is sovereign.

Yes, He can do anything.

But He allows us to choose.

We can choose to stay stuck with ourselves or move into the freedom He has for us.

Forgive me, but I must bring up Wonder Woman.

Yes, the female super hero in the movies today.

Watching Wonder Woman 84, she wrestled with letting go of her first love.

By focusing on that loss, she slowly lost her super powers.

Only when she let him and the stinging pain completely leave did she regain her superhero strength, pivotal to her destiny.

Completely applies to us and what we hold onto instead of God.

When we hold onto things instead of giving them to God, our “super powers” are blocked.

God’s peace cannot penetrate.

Fear stays.

Deep disappointment overwhelms.

Give every little thing to God.

Everything from your past, present and future.

Only when we let old things go can we move into the amazing plans God has for us.

Let the disappointed dreams go.

Let the past hurt rest.

And let God fully reign.

Photos by Priscilla Du Preez, Jack Ward, Helena Cook, & Jared Subia on Unsplash

God’s Chosen

Published on December 12, 2020June 14, 2023 by amylinnea1 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

The angel Gabriel had just disappeared, leaving her with God’s request.

Mary was left standing in the middle of the room, trembling after her encounter with God’s holy angel.

Steadying herself by grabbing a chair, she collapsed into it, wondering if she had imagined it all.

Gabriel had appeared to her, proclaiming God’s need for her to be the Lord’s earthly mother.

“How could I say no?” Mary thought. “I want to do whatever God wants me to do, but I’m scared. Really terrified, actually. What will people say? Will they believe me?”

Mary said yes to God.

She had no idea the ramifications of her acceptance into God’s will.

Her life was over as she knew it, but obeying God was more important to her than anything else.

Did she have periods of doubt?

Of course.

Did she have moments or even days of regret?

Probably.

She’s human.

Imagine yourself.

Imagine the whispers of your friends, the people you’ve grown up with your whole life.

“Did you know Mary’s pregnant? She’s not even married!”

Overhearing these comments would not sit well in her heart.

She probably cried as those pregnancy hormones raged.

And it probably never stopped.

The whispers.

The comments.

She was permanently labeled.

And not in a good way.

Mary could have listened to those lies, allowing them to define her.

But she knew they weren’t true.

All she had to do was look upon the face of God’s son Jesus, the sweet boy running around her house.

All she had to do was ask God to remind her of His purposes for her.

All she had to do was choose to believe God’s identity for her instead of the world’s.

How about you?

What identity do you embrace that is not from our loving God?

What whispered lies or comments do you bring into your heart, believing them instead of God’s truth?

Be like Mary.

Realize you will be talked about.

Realize you have no control over other people.

But realize once and for all Whose you are.

Straighten your crown and stand tall.

You are God’s beloved.

Chosen.

And deeply loved.

Photos by Sebastian Fröhlich, Josh Boot, Ander Burdain, & Seoyeon Choi on Unsplash

Sitting Dignified

Published on November 21, 2020June 13, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. Proverbs 31:25

Are you?

Sitting dignified in your place?

Sometimes in life, we are less than.

Lowered into a status we did not ask for.

It might be a devalued relationship.

Or a job.

Maybe you were simply completely misunderstood.

Or maybe, gasp, they hurt you on purpose.

So, you sit.

You sit up, back straight, in your dignified place.

You are not affected by the mud slung your way.

You do not care.

Why?

Because you know Whose you are.

You are a daughter or son of the Most High.

The Most High loves you.

He died for you.

He is always with you, every moment.

He hears everything, absolutely every insult hurled your way.

He sees everything, all their eye rolls or ways you constantly bend over to pick up broken pieces nobody else seems to scoop up.

He knows everything, all your hidden fears, your secret wants, your tears shed in private.

Sit up.

Tall and straight.

God has it, will have it, and has already had it.

All of it.

All you have to do is smile as you sit in your dignified place.

And for heaven’s sake, straighten your crown.

Photos by Church of the King & Jared Subia on Unsplash

Choose and Refuse

Published on July 11, 2020June 13, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

“Today I have given you the CHOICE between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would CHOOSE LIFE, so that you and your descendants might live! Deuteronomy 30:19 (emphasis mine)

We all have choices don’t we?

Too many when it comes to laundry soap or paint colors if you ask me. But in this life, in each moment we breathe, we have a choice set before us.

We must choose and refuse.

What?

We must choose life and refuse death.

Words.

Interactions.

Attitudes.

Real life.

Apply this to your own words, interactions, and attitudes you choose to exhibit.

But I’m really thinking about our reaction to others’ words, interactions, and attitudes.

When reacting to hurtful words, choose and refuse.

Meaning, choose life as refraining from participating in that talk and refuse to take those words to your heart.

When reacting to painful interactions, choose and refuse.

Meaning, choose life as walking quietly away and refusing to react in anger which steals your peace.

When reacting to unpleasant attitudes, choose and refuse.

Meaning, choose life as not taking on that horrid attitude and refuse to let others bring your down.

Real life is so real, isn’t it?

Words, interactions, and moods will sneak up on you in any conversation.

Through you or through someone else.

So you must be ready.

Like a firefighter.

To choose and refuse at any moment.

Takes practice.

If you find yourself going down the wrong path, beginning to stink like your friend’s words, choose and refuse.

You can do that anytime, even if you’ve already begun to fall.

Choose and refuse.

And remember, none of this moves me.

Photos by Jon Tyson, Vladislav Babienko, and Letizia Bordoni on Unsplash

Controlled by Anger

Published on February 8, 2020June 11, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

And do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:27

Is it ok to be mad?

Super angry at an uncontrollable situation?

Yes.

It’s ok to be mad.

Just don’t let it control you.

There’s a difference.

A difference between anger and a life dictated by it.

The anger.

Sometimes situations in life have justifiable angry responses.

Literally justified.

But if you hold onto that anger, it controls you every time.

Every time you are reminded of the situation, your body will respond as trained.

In anger.

Blood will boil.

Tempers will flair.

You will lash out at people for no apparent reason.

It’s sin.

Why?

Because the anger controls you.

You have trained your body in that way.

And don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-7

When God talks about letting go of anger, He means just that.

Let it go.

Guess He coined that phrase long before the Norwegian ice princess movie we have all watched way too many times.

Doesn’t mean to forget or allow yourself to be hurt again in the same way.

It simply means to keep your peace.

To surrender the anger, knowing God is in control.

To choose peace over anger, learning instead from the pain.

Giving a foothold to the devil is keeping your anger.

Choosing to wallow in it.

Probably deservedly, yes, but that’s not the point.

Living in freedom with God sometimes defies all logic.

Logically, you should be mad as you know what.

But God wants you to live in freedom.

And you cannot dwell in His freedom if you are shackled by anger’s prison.

Break free and allow God to heal your wounds.

How?

Ask God.

Remember, forgiving is not forgetting.

But it’s freedom.

Ask God to forgive through you.

Then whenever it pops back into your brain (you know the devil will insist on reminding you often!), throw it back to God.

Forgive again and again.

Your body will begin to retrain itself, reacting instead with peace.

The absence of anger will release you from the prison of pain.

Learn from situations, yes.

But don’t keep the anger.

It’s simply not worth your time.

Or your peace.

Photos by Clem Onojeghuo, Kenni Fil , & Lauren McConachie 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

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

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

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.

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

Trust No Matter What

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

He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. Psalm 40:2

Is it hard to trust God when things look dark?

When life seems to be hanging by a thread, and you cannot do a darn thing about it, is it harder to trust Him?

Although you could argue, what else is there at that point?

When life is bleak, what else is there to do, but to trust God, who knows all things?

On the other hand, trusting God is super easy when life is a bowl of cherries.

I don’t even like cherries, but I’d take that over stress any day.

I like boring.

A boring life seems divine at the moment.

Predictable.

But, alas, that has not been my road.

My road has been filled to overflowing with drama.

Yes, I love drama, but not swirling around me.

I love acting and can challenge anyone to the lead of a play any day.

But in real life, I take sanity.

Pure sanity.

And predictability.

Routine.

I love routine.

Trust.

Does trusting in God mean more when life’s difficult?

Maybe.

I can tell you this: it’s in the stress of life that we grow.

We grow up when life is hard.

When God allows drama to fill our lives, it’s the perfect opportunity to grow.

To see how God will solve things.

Trust.

Can you complain along the way?

Probably, but make sure you pass the test.

Find a buddy and complain.

But make sure that buddy points you back to God.

Photos by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

The Other Side

Published on November 10, 2018September 25, 2025 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:17

The devil is laughing.

Literally full of glee.

People are so dumb and we give him plenty to chuckle about.

8th grade boys writing about how dumb serving the less fortunate is.

A daughter who ignores her parents and sneaks out anyhow.

A student who steals answers from his teacher.

A cell phone which demands the attention of the husband, ignoring real life instead.

A company who devalues their workers, looking instead at the bottom line.

An advertising company selling inferior products, lying to their loyal customers.

A news show inflaming facts, intentionally stretching the truth to anger the population.

And that’s just the things we see…..

A child’s snide remark, confirming the lie in the mother’s head, declaring her unfit.

A bully’s words sinking into a teen, confirming their lowered status.

A boss devaluing his employee through unnecessary long hours away from home.

A young adult who moves out turning her face from God despite her upbringing.

The devil is laughing.

Because we are so fooled.

He shows us people with whom to compare, stirring jealousy and discontent.

He creates doubt in our abilities whether it is dinner, meetings, or haircuts.

He causes anger when he convinces us how important we are compared to others.

Why do we fall for his foolish ways?

Because we are human.

Fallen.

We choose it.

But there is another choice.

Life.

Specifically, the tree of life.

Remember the Garden?

There was a choice handed to Adam and Eve.

If you eat, and disobey God, you will be like Him.

You know what happened.

Folks, the devil has been laughing at us from almost the very beginning.

Time to stop.

Time to choose life every time the devil provides us with his choice.

His days are numbered.

That’s why he works on us.

He wants to take as many as he can to the pit.

Or, with Christians, he wants us to live in the pit each and every day, decreasing God’s influence on others.

Ouch.

But laugh instead at him, because the jokes on him.

We win.

Let me hear you laugh.

We have already won, we currently win, and we will always win.

Why?

Because God has done it all for us.

Choose life and live as if it matters.

Turn the tables and laugh instead at the devil.

Feels great, doesn’t it?

Photos by Ben White, Justin Young, Tim Mossholder, Lucas Lenzi, Priscilla Du Preez, Marcus Cramer & Scott Webb on Unsplash

Proof

Published on November 3, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations. Deuteronomy 7:9

You want proof God exists?

You want proof He is here?

Open your eyes.

Look around.

Really look.

Before God,

Your life was a mess.

Before His salvation,

Your life was a wreck.

Your life after God has had many disasters.

But He is there every single time.

Carrying you through.

Not unscathed, but whole.

Instead of looking at your life and focusing on the disappointments, be amazed at how He has been there.

And still is.

Instead of asking God for proof of His very existence, look at His proof staring you in the face.

Your spouse.

Your children.

Your job you didn’t know you’d need.

Your safety net of family and friends.

Physical provision just when you needed it.

Emotional support from a friend when it mattered most.

Unexplained bursts of joy in the midst of trials.

A peace which passes all understanding keeping your heart secure, while life on the outside looks chaotic.

God smiles at us all the time.

Through others.

That’s the proof.

Me, I tend to focus on the “too bad’s”.

Too bad life isn’t this way.

Or that.

And then I become unhappy.

Frankly, I have the distinct ability to wallow in the unhappy.

Gee, no wonder I do when I focus only on the “too bad’s”.

Look at life, instead, this way.

We live in a broken world.

But God has made all the difference in this life.

His provision has carried you through things you didn’t even know were wrong.

His love has filled you with peace time and time again.

So instead of focusing on the “too bad’s”, focus on the “it’s great that’s”.

Choose to focus on the good that most certainly outweighs the bad.

And see His hand that has been on your life, is on your life, and always will be on your life.

Proof.

Photos by pixpoetry, Annie Spratt, Artem Bali, & George Hiles on Unsplash

Disappointing People

Published on September 29, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Galatians 1:10

Ready for a bombshell?

Mind blowing reality check?

People are not perfect.

Shocker?

People will fail you.

Regularly.

No, really?

We often become disappointed in people.

Could even say all the time.

It’s almost like we expect them to be perfect, especially in their actions towards us.

We expect people to act entirely better then ourselves.

It’s almost like we allow ourselves to behave however we please, expecting others to never falter. Ever

Whose standard are you holding yourself to?

I’m not asking for perfection from you.

You can’t be perfect either.

Just don’t expect perfection from others.

You do, and you’ll continually be disappointed.

Continually.

Spread the grace of God you’ve been given to others.

Love them even when they fail you.

Even when they disappoint.

Newsflash.

I can guarantee that you, in turn, also regularly disappoint them.

You’ll want the same grace extended from them to you, regularly, won’t you?

Give grace.

Walk in forgiveness.

And smile with absolute gratefulness at the blessings of those surrounding you.

Photos by Nicole Honeywill , Pascal Lottenbach , & Ivana Djudic on Unsplash

Ready and Waiting

Published on September 15, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

God is telling us, commanding us to quiet ourselves.

Be perfectly still.

Unmoving.

Motionless.

Silent.

Stationary.

Ready.

Waiting.

Confident.

And know that I am God.

Realize God is God.

Recognize God’s ultimate power.

Fix your eyes on things above.

Resolve your confidence in Him.

Quiet your anxious heart and place your total trust in Him.

Receive His perfect peace.

Every time.

With God in control, there is nothing to fear.

Photos by Krzysztof Niewolny & Carolyn V 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

Horribly Disappointed

Published on August 11, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double. Zechariah 9:12

When you are horribly disappointed at something in life…

When there is not a thing you can do about it…

What then?

What is your response?

Wallow in self pity, relishing the mood of despair hanging over your head?

While that might be fun for a moment, it will send your mood straight into the toilet.

There is a better way.

I like to make a list.

A list of my blessings.

I try to keep it updated, but I admit, I do a horrid job at best.

Alternatively, you can also compare your bleak disappointment to something even worse.

That definitely puts things into perspective.

The point is this: switch your focus to the precious things God has given you.

Like that list of blessings we all should have somewhere.

Or encouragement whispered to you from your dear friend or spouse.

Because, when you focus on the blessings instead of the disappointment, you will pass God’s test with flying colors.

And your mood will stay out of the toilet.

In fact, you’ll be quite pleasant.

Respond to life with grace.

Your example will be a stepping stone to God Himself.

A stepping stone to God instead of a stumbling block to Satan.

So, what will your next disappointment turn into…?

Life, or death?

Photos by Casey Fyfe & Matthew Smith 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

Attitude

Published on June 30, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. Psalm 9:1

You will never NOT have trouble.

Let me say that another way.

There will always be something.

Some irritation somewhere.

Why?

Because nothing is always perfect.

Sounds like a downer, doesn’t it?

Sorry!

Just bringing us into reality, folks.

Taking our heads out of the clouds.

Up from burrowing in the sand.

What are some of life’s irritations, you ask?

Oh my, the list is endless.

Cleaning up after other people.

(Who am I kidding: sometimes it’s irritating to clean up after myself! Where’s that maid?)

Not finding what you need at a store.

Leaky faucets.

Unnecessary attitude from ungrateful children.

Going to someone else’s favorite restaurant.

Mosquito bites.

The fact that sugar is bad for you, yet it tastes so amazing in food!

Ants crawling on my kitchen floor.

Horrid influences encroaching on loved ones.

Traffic.

Jesus said we would have trouble in this life.

But to take heart, because He has overcome the world.

He has overcome absolutely everything.

Every irritation.

Every issue.

All of it.

So, what does He ask of us to do in spite of any and all irritations?

To trust Him.

To stay focused on what is important.

How one reacts to daily, even momentary irritation reflects to others your relationship with God.

Woah.

How you react to things that do not go your way will either point people to God or away from Him.

Difficult, I know.

Fully aware.

Just start thinking about that.

When your buttons are pushed, does your attitude reflect God?

Look to Jesus for inspiration.

He was irritated, I’m sure, beyond belief on earth.

Think about that.

Walking around with us, He knew what every person should have been doing to increase life’s satisfaction.

But He left us to our own choices.

He never let any earthly irritation mar the face of God.

Ever get hangry?

Jesus was many times.

That’s an incredible irritation.

Purpose to reflect Jesus in all that you do.

And when you fail, keep trying.

Ask God to help you.

He will and it will get easier and easier to succeed.

Just don’t hand me a sad pizza when I’m hangry.

Because God will not be shining through my face if you do. 🙂

Oh, ok, I’ll work on it too…!

Photos by Clem Onojeghuo ,Ruth Caron ,Anton Darius | @theSollers , Michał Kubalczyk , & Álvaro SF on Unsplash

Never Ever Leaves

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

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

God has promised to never leave us.

Never.

Flip that.

God has promised to always stay right by our side.

With us.

Right there.

Literally.

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

Why?

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

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

Seriously, why?

We must stop this habit of turning to fear.

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

Nothing.

Not war.

Not screaming children.

Not sticky family situations.

Not even changing jobs.

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

Nervous to make a change?

Wondering if you can handle today?

Well you can do it.

Certainly not on your own.

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

He’s with you doing the dishes.

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

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

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

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

Present in every moment?

Be strong and courageous.

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

And He will never leave you alone.

Ever.

How sweet it is to trust in Him.

Will you trust Him afresh today?

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

Sit Still

Published on May 12, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalm 73:26

We all know what to do.

What God wants us to do.

We are supposed to give Him our burden and trust He will take care of everything.

That’s easy for the first second.

Alright, maybe for the first few seconds.

But what then?

We begin to doubt.

We get upset.

And before you know it, we’ve scooped up the burden once again, placing it back on our shoulders.

It’s so easy to give our burdens to God.

What’s hard is not taking them back.

What’s hard is not beginning to doubt God’s goodness and faithfulness.

It’s hard to keep trusting His way when you don’t see any movement on His part.

Instead, what should we do after placing our burden into God’s hands?

Pray.

Pray and trust.

Pray, trust, and refuse to participate with doubt and worry, because they are not your friends.

Sit back and trust, eagerly anticipating how God Himself will solve your issue.

He has promised to dot every i and cross every t.

He is in every situation.

Present.

With you.

So instead of willingly picking your burden back up due to doubt and worry, instead smile as God keeps your burden and relax, knowing He will pull through for you.

Completely.

Photos by Christin Hume ,Annie Spratt ,Erik Odiin , & Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Posters

Published on March 3, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Satan loves to tell us lies.

The lies are not only whispered into our heads, but held up as posters.

The posters are so large, we cannot help but see the words that pull us into believing.

You are so ridiculous.

You are not loved.

Nobody cares.

You are such a disappointment.

Why does Satan love to feed us lies?

So we feel defeated.

Walking around ineffective.

Useless to the cause of Christ.

The posters he shows us are lies.

Why does he keep going, trying to change our course?

Because he’s scared.

He knows WHOSE we are.

He knows we KNOW the truth.

But will we act on it?

Will we act on the truth deep down we know is right?

Or will we succumb to his lies?

Will we succumb to the lies from the pit that were made to render us lifeless?

The ultimate choice is yours.

Are you going to make the evil one win with you today?

Or will you rise up and tear the posters in half, declaring, “Not today, Satan!”

Declaring to all instead, “It is well!”

Photos by Victoria Palacios, Mitchel Lensink, & Corinne Kutz 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

Survival

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

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

How does one survive without God?

Literally, how does one survive this life?

I have no idea how.

Life can be pretty awful sometimes.

Downright nasty.

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

I’m guessing not very well.

Surviving this life without God, that is.

When life punches you to the ground,

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

All you have to do is reach out your hand.

Reach out your trembling hand to God.

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

He lifts the burden from your shoulders,

Shakes the dust off your back,

Wipes the tears from your eyes,

And holds your hand as you begin your walk again.

He never lets go.

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

Remember who stands with you.

You might not know where He is taking you,

You might not know His reasons,

You might not even know why He allows certain things.

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

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

And prosper.

Photo by Hannah Morgan on Unsplash

Belief in the Garden

Published on January 6, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

I have a question.

Why would Eve believe Satan over God?

Back in the garden.

At the very beginning of life.

Satan asked Eve if God had really said they could eat from every tree in the garden, except one.

He questioned Eve.

And Eve properly responded.

She relayed God’s message which included the warning not to eat from that special tree – or they would die.

You know the tree.

The tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

She told Satan God had said not to touch only that one tree.

But all the other trees were just fine!

Satan responded by merely stating the opposite of what God had said.

Satan declared Eve and Adam would not die.

In fact, he then proceeded to say they would become wise like God AND not die.

He played to her ego.

Who doesn’t want to be wise like God and know all things?

I know sometimes we act like we are that wise, but truth is, we are so not compared to Him!

Anyway, Satan asked Eve a question.

Eve answered with God’s truth.

Satan responded with a lie, which contradicted everything God had spoken over them.

God himself had spoken to Eve and Adam.

Literally spoken to them.

God regularly and literally spoke to them every day.

Seriously, wow!

Yet, somehow, Eve immediately believed Satan when he questioned God.

When Satan turned the words of God around, upside down, and inside out, Eve’s flesh demanded to be fed.

She instantly turned her back on her Creator and believed instead the pitiful snake.

I just wonder why.

We probably would have done the same thing.

But why?

Is it because she had wanted to eat from that tree and merely needed an excuse to do so?

Permission perhaps?

Had she thought about it before and was looking for her opportunity?

Why would she question God?

What had He done to betray her trust?

God had provided Eve everything she could possibly need.

And Adam, too.

But that was not enough.

When you are certain of the path God wants you to travel, keep walking.

Don’t stop and listen to the one who wishes death on everything you have and are.

Don’t let him whisper lies into your head, turning you from God’s truth you know is correct.

Trust instead in the Lord to keep His promises.

It’s all up to you.

What will you decide?

Photos by Studio Dekorasyon, Johann Siemens, Marius Masalar, & Yavor Punchev on Unsplash

Solved

Published on December 30, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:6

I see you.

I saw you yesterday.

When a situation arose, I got your attention.

I was hoping you would react how we’ve practiced.

When the moment came, you did well.

You were momentarily upset, but quickly changed to anticipation.

Anticipation for how I would arrive, dotting every i, crossing every t.

I saw you relax into My capable arms.

Surrendering everything back to me.

I was so proud of you.

But then the doubts and lies crept back.

They snuck around, whispering into your ear.

And before long, you had taken the burden back from Me.

Frankly, you didn’t hesitate.

You chose to trust the lies instead of Me.

Robbing you of your peace.

The peace I had given to you.

My peace.

After your pity party ended, how did you feel?

I wish I could take any shred of pain or sorrow you carry.

Remember, I can.

But you must not only give Me your burdens, but leave them.

Completely leave them.

You must trust Me.

Then you’ll keep your peace.

I’m here.

Here to stay.

But it’s your choice.

I’m proud of you.

Just because you’re My child.

I solved your situation.

Even with you holding the burden.

I solved it and I always will.

Your journey will be peaceful if you let Me carry you.

Next time a situation arises, anticipate My intervention.

Watch and wait to see what I will do.

And steady your heart.

But when you place your hand in Mine, don’t let go.

Because I never will.

Photos by Saksham Gangwar & Bryan Minear on Unsplash

Shepherds

Published on December 9, 2017June 14, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Luke 2:16

Ever wonder why all of heaven decided to announce the greatly anticipated Savior’s birth to lowly shepherds?

Shepherds were simple.

Lower than low.

They brought the lamb to the high priest for the sacrifice.

Shepherds served others.

They were usually uneducated, considered almost nothing.

Almost worthless.

Unclean.

So why did all of heaven revel this glorious announcement to shepherds?

Why not instead, go straight to the top?

Can’t you imagine the high priests wanting to know, too?

To witness the wonder?

After all, they were looking.

Weren’t they?

Maybe they would have missed it.

The birth of the Savior.

Maybe their noses were so bent in one direction, they would have missed it had they been on that hill with the shepherds,

Or reclining at their table with themselves,

Or conducting their nightly old testament reading,

Or wherever they were when the angels appeared to the shepherds.

Maybe they would have missed it no matter what they were finding themselves doing at that very moment.

Maybe that’s one reason God decided to reveal Himself to the shepherds first.

Humble shepherds, who were ready to receive what God had planned.

I’m guessing the high priests knew what God was planning.

They knew what to look for, because they were full of knowledge.

And themselves.

But since they knew what God was planning, they missed it.

They are still waiting.

Are you?

Are you still waiting for God to move in your life?

Maybe He already has and is.

And if you blink, you might miss it.

Don’t be like the high priests who placed God into a box and refused to embrace His son.

Imitate the shepherds instead, who simply waited, trusted, and believed.

God wants all of you.

Give yourself to Him and watch Him move in ways you have only dreamed.

Are you ready to receive what God has for you?

Just like the shepherds?

Photos by Jaka Škrlep on Unsplash

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Lies

Published on December 2, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

He (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44

How dare we believe the lies of who we are instead of the truth declared from God’s lips.

How dare we.

Yet we do.

We listen to the lies in our head deeming us inferior, sub par, and unlovable.

Rejected.

How is it we allow these lies to not only live in our heads, but listen and then also believe them?

And when we believe them, we act on them.

We walk around defeated.

We become the lies.

We become unlovable and reject-able because of our walls.

Why do we stoop to these lows?

Because at our core, we do not believe God.

We do not believe God’s truth about us.

We do not believe He really loves us with His whole heart.

We do not believe we were worth dying for.

Ouch.

If we do not immediately reject and bury the lie whispered in our head, it becomes cemented into our brain.

We begin to treat the lie as fact.

Listen instead to the truth.

God created you for love.

His love.

Relationship with the One True God.

He gave you life.

He chose you.

Live like that matters.

Live like He died only for you.

Live like the Creator of the universe longs to hang out with you.

When you place your trust in God, His heartbeat pulses in you.

And His heartbeat is full of truth.

Lies are dispersed.

Walls are broken.

Choose to believe.

Believe the heartbeat of God.

And dare those lies to leave.

Photos by Ben White on Unsplash

Choose Life

Published on November 18, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Live like you mean it.

Like it matters.

Every task God asks us to do is ordained by Him.

Is washing the dishes holy?

Yes, if you wash them for Him.

How bout taking your daughter to volleyball practice or fixing the hole in your son’s school pants?

Yes.

What about driving a truck or teaching children?

When God gives you responsibilities, you can either do them half-heartedly because you have to…

Or you can joyfully tackle them, knowing they are a precious offering to God.

Make those mundane tasks a sweet smelling sacrifice to God.

Change your attitude to joy.

Purpose to choose life.

You’ll be surprised how fun these tasks suddenly become.

Not all the time, of course, because we’re human.

We forget.

Daily tasks overwhelm us and we are suddenly annoyed our children are involved in any extracurricular activities whatsoever.

Pause and ask God to order your day.

Ask Him to involve your family in what He wants you to be involved in.

Once you have peace in your heart with the duties on your plate, offer that service as an offering to God.

Holiness.

Surrender.

Your heart will be peaceful and your soul will be at rest.

God will work through you and bless your family.

If you choose irritation instead, your spirit will be troubled and that will spill into the other people in your life.

Choose life.

Not only will God will be pleased, but your spirit will be at rest, and your home will be full of peace and joy.

A beacon to the weary, even if that weary soul is you.

Arrogance

Published on November 11, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

For by grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. Romans 12:3

How arrogant are we?

Shaking our fist at God when things don’t go our way?

Pointing out declared errors to the Creator of all things?

We do make a fuss, don’t we?

How arrogant are we?

If He gives us something, then almost immediately takes it away, we whine.

If He shuts a door we wish would open, we beg.

If He changes our circumstances away from what we believe our heart desires, we stomp our feet.

How arrogant are we?

Sometimes we act like the children we parent, with no shining examples or mature reactions.

When God seemingly takes something away, we have 2 choices: allow death and despair to flood our every thought, or focus on how good God is.

When we allow sadness to become our god, we render ourselves useless and selfish, full of self pity.

Frozen with fear, probably fear of loosing control.

But when we choose to focus on God, we allow His peace and healing power to fill us with every good thing.

We remain filled with faith, steadfast in our walk with God.

Firmly planted with confidence and joy.

From the balcony of heaven, will it matter if God takes something away?

If He changes your job, you’ll look back and see His hand.

If He changes your location, you’ll look back and see His purpose.

If He changes your family, you’ll look back and see His shepherding.

The Lord is My Shepherd.

He takes things away, yet replaces them with His goodness.

What if that is His purpose?

What?

What if His purpose in taking things away is to remind you of your focus?

I might tell Him I don’t need that reminder, thank you very much.

Can He just tell me in other ways?

But that would be arrogant.

I cannot tell my Lord what He should do.

He knows the complete best for me.

He knows exactly what I need even better then I do.

That, my friend, is the reward.

God, who knows all things from the beginning to the end, is in control, not me.

God, who sent His son to die for ME, loves me and has my back.

Rest in that peace.

Choose to remember, focusing on Him.

And your arrogance will disappear.

Photos by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Earpiece

Published on November 4, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God. John 8:47

My husband and I recently watched a show in which a friend at headquarters whispered encouraging words to a friend’s earpiece, who was fighting on the field.

Those whispered words brought courage and strength to the friend on the field, who was in major trouble.

And those words made all the difference.

Discouragement left.

Hope returned.

The mission was accomplished.

My husband and I discussed how amazing it would be to speak life into an earpiece, delivering it to the other spouse when needed.

Feeling overwhelmed at work, he or I could “ring for help” and the other would whisper encouraging words.

Wouldn’t that be neat?

But then I realized something.

We already have access to something even greater.

When we need strength, all we need to do is utter that prayer to God and He will whisper into our earpiece everything we need.

But only if we listen.

While feeling overwhelmed, we can ask God for perspective, strength, and joy, and He will deliver.

Only if we ask.

But here’s the thing-

Sometimes, when we utter our prayer, we listen to the wrong earpiece.

We listen instead to the whispers that declare us “no good, unable, or less than”.

Those whispers are also available to us.

So which earpiece will you listen to?

God’s, who speaks truth, yet will also bring you into a place of complete submission?

That earpiece is full of life, truth, and peace.

Or will you believe instead Satan’s, who speaks evil lies, fostering your ego and making you feel lonely?

Yes, it would be wonderful to key into your spouse’s encouragement whenever the whim demanded.

But God’s earpiece is ready to go.

Now and each and every day.

Whenever the need arises, ask Him for strength.

Ask Him for His peace to pass all of your understanding.

Then, as God, who is THE Creator of all things, whispers the truth in your ear, listen.

Believe.

His voice is the best earpiece of all.

Always Right

Published on October 21, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2

Is this your attitude?

That you feel you are always right?

100% of the time?

Or most of the time?

I recently stopped at a red light near a major intersection in my town.

The turning lights began directing traffic to turn, and the van beside me also began to drive straight.

Avoiding a crash, it suddenly stopped.

The van’s license plate screamed out to me: Alwys Rit

Wow.

Guess not!

Sometimes life is this obvious to others as to our misinformation.

Other times, it’s not.

Whether we are right or wrong.

The key is humbleness.

Knowing our place before our God.

The van?

When the light turned green for us to drive forward, it just sat.

The driver was completely embarrassed.

Thankfully with God, we can ask Him for mercy when we mistake our desires as correct over His.

And with others too, we can seek forgiveness.

No one is perfect, and we are certainly not always right.

Recognize when you are not.

Confess your sorrow to others when you mess up, thinking you’re all that.

And sink deeply into the grace God offers each and every day.

Isn’t it nice not have to be always right?

Freedom

Published on October 7, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

Dear Lord,

Thank you for setting me free-

Free from guilt and shame.

Free from want and greed.

Free from sin and death.

You have set me free from the evils of this world.

Completely.

Fully.

And totally.

Whenever I walk backwards-

Whenever I choose to participate with my flesh-

I willingly walk back into sin.

By my choice.

When I choose my own way over Yours,

I walk back into captivity.

The captivity of sin and all that entails.

But when I choose again to ask Your forgiveness,

Freedom is mine once again.

Freedom from sin through Your perfect and sovereign grace.

Freely free.

Your gift to me.

May I choose it each moment of every day.

Master of My Heart

Published on September 30, 2017June 8, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

So, I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. Galatians 5:16

Is He?

Master of your heart?

Fully in control?

None of us are perfect in this area.

But if you constantly ask Him to guide your thoughts, words, and actions, then He has the job.

Master of your heart, that is.

When trials or mere irritations arrive at your doorstop, if you go to Him for direction, then He is in control.

Right where He should be.

Irritations can disappear when you return your thoughts to His plan for you.

Your reactions to life are filtered through the lens of God.

His peace and love will permeate all you are AND do.

Oops. I don’t think that’s me.

My reactions aren’t exactly stellar when life smacks me in the face.

Well, something else must be the master of your heart.

When it’s not God, it’s something else.

Most likely- it’s you.

We love to put ourselves number one.

Uno.

First.

When we are masters of our own heart, our desires are first.

What we want goes.

Disappointment regularly follows us around.

Irritation, too.

Nuts.

Enough of that!

Fix it.

Submit yourself to God.

He is the author of all things and will gently guide you into the fullness of life.

Place God as the master of your heart.

Go to Him with all things.

Contentment and peace will follow behind your every step.

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