security – Amy Linnea

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

Definition of Fear

Published on March 21, 2020June 11, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. Psalm 56:3

Fear is the absence of peace.

Fear is behind the desire for mortal knowledge when the world offers none.

Fear is the belief that God is not enough.

That God is not here.

Fear showcases our deepest fears.

Fear brings us to our knees.

Fear paralyzes our next move, hijacks our thoughts.

Fear wraps us tightly into bondage.

Sounds horrid, yet we often choose fear, inviting it to stay.

If you are reading this today, you are living in the midst of our society’s fear.

The fear of the dreaded killer virus COVID-19.

Fear of the economy taking a nose dive, taking your 401k with it.

Fear of losing your job or income whether short or long term.

Fear of running into someone less than 6 feet away.

Fear of running out of food or, gasp, toilet paper.

In this life, God has given us choice.

We may choose to believe the truth or not.

We may choose to believe His very Word or not.

Psalm 56:3 says, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.”

When I am wrapped up in fear, I choose to unwrap, and decided instead to wrap myself in Your peace.

In Your presence.

In You, the absence of fear.

Photos by Laurene Gicquel, Kelly Sikkema, Jon Tyson, & Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Security & Honor

Published on February 15, 2020June 9, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:33

Security.

It’s the number one need women have from their husbands.

We need to feel protected.

Valued.

Loved.

Secure.

Once that’s covered, men, we’re good.

Seriously.

Most of our issues boils down to this one issue.

Are we your priority?

Do you have our back?

Will you fight for us?

We need to know this.

Our cups are filled to overflowing when we feel defended.

First in your life.

Honor.

It’s the number one need men ask of their wives.

Do we value our men?

Raising them up, not tearing them down?

Listening to them, not rolling our eyes in response?

Respecting their wishes?

Withholding the nagging and esteeming him to your friends?

Greeting them with a kiss when the day’s work is done?

Men need to know this.

They need to feel valued through your honor of them.

When husbands feel honored, they feel secure and loved.

When wives feel secure, they feel loved.

When both feel loved, marriages thrive.

God’s intention is for your marriage to thrive.

Thriving is more than simply existing.

Thriving is bounty.

Bountiful marriages yield fruit.

Lives that reflect God’s love and grace, thriving in the security and honor of marriage.

Treasure your wife.

Honor your man.

And you will reap a hundredfold.

Photos by Ryan Franco, Brooke Cagle , & frank mckenna on Unsplash

Today & Tomorrow

Published on August 3, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18

Ever heard the phrase “He is already there?”

Meaning, Jesus is already there.

He’s in the past.

He’s here now.

And He’s in the future.

He is already there.

Already preparing for you.

Ready and calm.

It’s comforting, but only if we believe it.

Knowing God already knows and is there comforts us, but only if that’s enough.

And it should be.

God should be enough.

His presence, love, and peace are enough.

But only if we turn ourselves off, wanting to control some part of it.

Take tomorrow for example.

Not sure what is going on, but God is already there.

And He is enough.

Worry or anxiety begin to assert themselves into our situations only when we allow ourselves to regain control.

When I thrust myself and my desires into the plan.

Invading God’s perfect plan.

Yes, God gives us desires and needs, and when those are aligned with His will and not our flesh, we will remain in peace.

But when we decide we must plan for this or that, what we are really doing is removing our trust from God.

Removing our trust.

Not a good idea.

And when we remove our trust from God, we are telling Him he is not enough.

Not enough.

God, who created ALL things is not enough.

Ok, when you spell it out that way, our anxiety does seem a bit ridiculous.

Ya think?

Remember God has your back.

He is with you yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

He is already there.

Already there waiting for you.

Keep placing your trust in Him.

Let Him walk with you each moment.

Tell Him your worries, but allow Him to solve them.

Listen after you speak.

And trust that He is enough.

Because He is.

Photos by Todd Trapani, Ruslan Zaplatin, & Perchek Industrie on Unsplash

What Then

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

True.

Available.

Today.

What then?

Remember Who He is.

Remember Whose you are.

And trust.

Always.

Begin again, today.

Faith

Published on May 18, 2019June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9

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Faith.

What exactly is faith?

Believing.

Faith in God is believing in Him.

Believing He will do what He says.

That He knows best.

Believing He has our back.

That He is leading us down paths of goodness.

Abraham had faith.

Faith when God told him to sacrifice His only son whom he had waited his entire life for.

The son that held the promise of generations to follow.

Yet when God asked Abraham to sacrifice this only son, there was no hesitation.

Because Abraham had faith.

Absolute faith.

Do you?

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Jesus had faith in God as well.

When the time came, Jesus asked that the cup would be removed.

But He ended his prayer with, “Not my will, but Thy will be done.”

Faith in God’s higher ways.

Jesus had perfect faith in His Father’s plan.

Explicit trust.

Do you?

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It all boils down to Whom you believe in.

With who or what you place your faith.

We all have faith in something or someone.

Even the absence of faith is faith that nothing is there.

Will you place your faith in yourself?

You will fail and so will the rest of the world.

No one is perfect except God.

Or will you place your faith in the One who created all things?

Abraham’s absolute faith.

Jesus’ explicit trust.

Both fully human.

We can, too.

Just ask.

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Photos by eberhard grossgasteiger & Ben White on Unsplash

Empty Tomb

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

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

I came today.

I came to see my Lord.

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

I still cannot believe He died for us.

For me.

He gave His life for us.

He literally paid for my sins.

I owe Him my life.

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

My Lord and I had such wonderful talks.

He taught me so much.

So many truths.

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

He gave me hope.

Purpose.

And now He’s gone.

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

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

Suddenly, I stop.

The tomb is open.

There are no guards.

Wait, what?

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

His body is not here.

Where is it?

What have they done with it?

I look down.

His cloth is here.

But He isn’t.

I stand, dumbfounded and still.

Suddenly I remember His story.

The one about His resurrection.

Could it be?

No.

Yes?

I sink into a heap upon the floor.

Yes.

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

But where is He?

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

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

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

What?

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

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

As we gather, the empty tomb is excitedly discussed .

Then, all of a sudden, there He is.

With us.

He is here with us in the room.

In the flesh.

Alive.

Jesus.

My Jesus.

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

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

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

My Lord and My God is alive.

Fully alive.

Literally.

He has conquered sin and death once and for all.

Hallelujah!

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

This news is too good not to share.

Everyone needs to know.

Everyone.

And now you know.

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

Fully.

Now and forevermore.

He has paid for our sins.

All of them.

Yours and mine.

How will you share the good news ?

Because share we must.

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

God’s Comfort

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

For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 2 Corinthians 1:5

As our Father, God longs to comfort us.

Longs to comfort us, His children.

Whenever I’m terribly upset, this is what I picture:

God hears me.

He wants to help as my tears break His heart, too.

He reaches down and scoops me up from my puddle on the floor.

He holds me in His arms.

Secure.

Safe.

I lay my head on His shoulder and rest.

He hands me a tissue, reminding me not to worry.

Reminds me He’s in control.

He’s got my back.

He loves me and will never leave me.

Ever.

After I am settled and calm, He puts me down.

Does he leave?

Nope.

He’s always there.

When I laugh, He laughs, too.

When I’m sad, He feels my pain, too.

He understands.

He cares.

He knows.

All things.

Sometimes He can’t make it all better.

But standing with His peace helps me choose life.

How do you picture God’s comfort to you?

Photos by Danielle MacInnes, Mohamed Awwam, & Jude Beck on Unsplash

Our Job

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

I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

Sometimes I say, “Really, God?”

“Really?”

Sometimes I wonder just what He’s thinking.

Sometimes, I say, “Don’t you want to try this instead?”

“Seriously, don’t you?”

Sometimes I wonder just what He’s doing.

Sometimes, I throw up my hands and say, “I have no idea how You will solve this doozy of a problem.”

“Seriously, how do You plan on fixing it?”

Sometimes, I wonder just what He’s planning.

We wonder because we want to know.

We want to be in control.

We want to give Him input.

May we be reminded that God is God and we are not.

May we ask Him to guide our mouths and every step.

And may we never forget just how much we matter to God.

Our every detail matters to Him.

Nothing is overlooked.

He has already gone before us.

We need only to pray and trust.

Photo credits by George Mihaila & Igor Kasalovic on Unsplash

Be Still

Published on December 22, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

To the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 25

Lord, what are Your thoughts this morning?

Be still.

Be still and know that I am God.

I am above it all.

Everything, big or small.

I am above your children.

I am above your husband.

I am above your job.

Your health.

Your house.

Remember Who I am.

I am the Great I Am.

I Am means I have always, are currently, and always will be.

As a result, you can be still.

If you choose.

Be still and know that I am God, trusting in My perfect plan chosen specifically for you.

Be still, my child, be still.

I am here.

Photos by Aaron Burden, Emil Vilsek, Donnie Rosie, Denys Nevozhai, & Maria Shanina on Unsplash

True Thankfulness

Published on November 24, 2018June 14, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 106:1

Are you thankful?

Truly thankful?

For all of it?

Good things are easy to list.

Health.

Joy filled days.

Grocery stores brimming with food.

Meaningful jobs.

Secure homes.

Fuzzy socks.

Steaming hot coffee.

Loving husbands.

Precious children.

But…

How thankful are you for the darkness?

For every thing that has broken your heart?

A spiteful boss.

Ungrateful children.

A friend’s betrayal.

Abandonment of a spouse through death or divorce.

Children born in heaven.

God has a purpose for all things.

All of it.

Every little thing.

Thanking Him in the good times is easy.

Effortless.

Thanking Him in the bad times, is not.

It’s painful.

Sounds almost ridiculous to even suggest.

I mean, how can we possibly even think about thanking Him for the darkness?

I ask myself, can I thank God for my life?

For my entire life?

Everything?

Honestly?

I can try.

Found it’s easier if you can thank Him for pain AND redeeming you all at the same time.

Well, here it goes.

Thank you, God, for the relationship rupture and my dear sweet husband.

You know best when allowing things to happen.

Thank you, God, for child heartaches and our precious relationships now.

Thank you, God, for the babies in heaven and the promise of new life for a bit.

Thank you, God, for the agony.

And thank you, God, for the relief.

The blessings I have are brighter when viewed through the prism of pain.

I know I’m more thankful, because of it.

All of it.

More conscious of the blessings.

My husband is, too.

It’s when you can thank Him for all,

For everything,

That you know you’ve put Him first.

Your trust in Him is secure.

Why?

Because you know He is in control.

Absolute control.

And you are safe in His arms.

Completely safe.

Ok, now it’s your turn.

Photos by Chris Lawton, Lina Trochez, Steve Halama, Guillaume de Germain, Ben White, & Simon Maage on Unsplash

Will You?

Published on November 17, 2018June 9, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. Psalm 145:18

Will you keep trusting God when all looks wrong?

Will you keep your faith as it looks like God has turned His back on you?

Remember Job?

Job kept his faith even as his entire life fell apart.

Life as he knew it melted away.

All of his children died.

His business failed.

His home burned.

His possessions were a total loss.

His wife was livid as she blamed Job for it all.

His friends gave him bad advice.

He was alone.

He felt God had turned His back on him.

But Job’s faith never faltered.

He stayed faithful.

He never wavered.

And God restored him.

In God’s perfect timing, Job was completely restored.

Do you have that kind of faith?

If God took away everything in this life, would you trust Him still?

God’s not likely to do just that.

However, life will sometimes look like God is absent.

Gone.

Not with you.

But He is here.

Always.

Rest assured, God is in complete control.

God never lost control in Job’s life.

God simply allowed Satan to test Job.

God had Job’s back.

And God has your back.

Always.

When your life feels as though God has left, will you trust Him still?

You should, because He is faithful.

He restored Job and He will restore you.

Completely.

But you must be faithful.

Trusting.

Completely.

Like Job.

Allow God to work.

And rest in the knowledge that He is sovereign over all.

Even you.

He sees you.

Every little thing.

Hallelujah.

Photos by Marita Kavelashvili, Federico Bottos, Katie Drazdauskaite, & Paweł Czerwiński 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

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

Today’s Choice

Published on July 14, 2018July 13, 2018 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Oh Jesus,

I’m so sorry.

But I’m super mad.

Really mad.

Is that alright to be mad at you?

You are like my Father, and I’ve been known to get mad at him (sorry, dad!), so I suppose, yes, I can be mad at You, too.

I feel strange writing that.

Like I’ll upset You if I’m mad at You.

I mean, who am I compared to You?

But I know You want us to be real.

To be honest.

And right now, my super honest attitude is angry.

Why, You ask politely, even though You know every reason why?

Well, because I want my way.

I want a life of firsts, not to be part of a solution to healing.

I want our children to all be one big happy family, an original family.

I want my life to be normal.

Not a solution.

I see friends whose kids are theirs and their husbands only.

Both my husband’s and my parents have been married over 50 years.

To the same person.

I want that.

Now we need to both live into our 90’s for our 50th.

Please?!!!

I want at least 1 of the babies taken from us.

Miscarriage is just plain stupid.

Why allow pregnancy only to take it away?

I know it would be work, yes, I’m fully aware of that.

But I like to look at the bright side.

Except when I’m mad.

Like now.

And another thing.

I don’t want healing, because that means something is not normal.

I just want normal.

A normal family, with normal kid issues, and lots of memories built together under our roof.

So, that’s why I’m mad.

I’m mad because my husband and I don’t have the same children and haven’t been married already 25 years.

I wish that was the case.

I almost feel stupid admitting I’m mad at You.

Who am I anyway?

Of the hundreds of billions You have created, I am merely one.

And how dare I become mad at You, merely because I don’t have what I think is the way my life should go?

You know best.

You allowed sin and people to have choices.

Your grace completely covers our entire family.

I know we live in a broken world, and my precious family is a light to that world.

A promise of God’s help.

An example of His goodness when all looks bleak.

A role model of Your healing balm.

Thank you so very much for all You have done for me and my dear husband.

Little ‘ole us.

The children all famously get along.

Our relationships between parents and kiddos really couldn’t be better.

You have been simply amazing to both my husband and myself.

We are thankful every day for the other.

And I love You for that.

Nothing surprises You.

You hold our lives in Your capable hands.

Can I just get a little explanation sometime?

Words of wisdom to my heart?

Wait.

Hold on.

Oh, I see.

I was complaining about being a solution to healing instead of an original family.

But…

YOU were a solution to healing.

You were THE solution to healing for our broken world.

So I suppose it’s alright to be a solution to healing in my family.

After all, that’s what You were.

And are.

You’re asking me to identify with who You are.

I love that.

Well, in that case, alright.

I can identify with You as a solution to healing.

Putting everything in that light helps my perspective.

Makes me almost grateful.

Thank you for that.

Thank you for listening.

I trust You.

Love, Amy

Photos by eberhard grossgasteiger on Unsplash

Relax

Published on June 16, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. Psalm 116:7

Uncertainty filling you up?

Brain overwhelmed with what ifs?

Good.

What?

Yes. It’s good.

Why is it good that I am filled with angst?

Because you are human.

Not capable of knowing the future.

It’s good to be reminded of our human frailty.

Sometimes our heads get so big, because we think we’re so great.

We are, but only nestled in God’s power.

Secure in His love and saving grace.

When your mind turns to worry about really anything, smile because you’re human.

Know who’s not?

God.

God is infinite in time and space.

He’s the beginning and the end.

Creator of all things.

Including you.

He knows the beginning from the end.

He knows it all, so you don’t have to.

He carries the future, so you can stay in the now.

When you walk with God, He guides your footsteps down the path of life.

He knows what is at every corner, twist, and turn.

Since He knows, why should you?

Why should you worry?

Smile because you’re human.

Then keep smiling because you’re His.

He’s got this.

And all the rest besides.

Photos by Ben White & chuttersnap on Unsplash

In the Light

Published on May 5, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinnea1 Comment

But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. Psalm 77:11-12

Live in light of the best moments.

Live with the memory of God’s provision fresh in your mind.

Live as the daughter of the King of Kings.

A valuable favored princess.

His princess.

Live as the son of the Lord of Lords.

A honored warrior prince.

His prince.

Live each moment as if you were high on the mountain of life.

As if all is well.

Because it is.

Even if you cannot see, God is at work.

He is shedding light on the dark spots, guiding your every step.

In the grey days of life, live like it’s a bright sunny day.

Because it is.

God is still on the throne.

He loves you and has your best interests in mind.

Remember Whose power remains in you.

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

You!

So when you’re on a mountain top, thank Him for the view.

And when you’re down in the valley of life, remember.

And live like you’re still mountain high.

Because you are.

Why?

Because of Whose you are.

Photos by Alexandru Tudorache ,Danka & Peter , & Joshua Sharf on Unsplash

Obedience

Published on April 21, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. Deuteronomy 5:33

What happens when God closes a door or when He allows it to close?

When it’s slammed in front of you?

He opens a window.

But where’s the window?

Which one do we look through?

Which window will give us the breath of fresh air we so desperately need?

Which window shows us the way God wants us to go?

When we are faithful to trust that God will lead the way, He will open the right window at just the right time.

At just the right time.

However,

Only He knows when.

He made every window.

He even made every door.

Doors are slammed because of our free will.

Or the free will of others.

But He still made them.

Every door.

He is present in every situation.

Ready to guide you to safety.

Holding you in His tender mercy.

His tender love.

When we trust Him from the depths of our toes all the way up to our head,

And when we ask Him to use us for His glory and purpose,

And when we stand in obedience to our God knowing He WILL open a window,

He will generously bestow blessings more abundantly then you could possibly imagine.

And at just the right time, your window will easily open.

Effortlessly.

All because of Him.

Trust His plan.

Because He loves you.

Photos by Annie Spratt , Eduard Militaru , Kiwihug & Weronika Marcińczyk on Unsplash

Abide With Me

Published on April 14, 2018April 14, 2018 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.

Lord, the evening is here.

Literally and figuratively.

I am surrounded by dark thoughts.

Lies are sweeping into my head.

No one knows, but You, Lord.

You know my anxious thoughts.

Stay with me.

Right here.

Endure with me without yielding.

Because I can’t without You.

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Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see—
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

Lord, You never change.

You are always the same.

Yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Forever.

I can count on You every moment of every day.

There is nothing in this world that compares to You.

While I am surrounded by the cares of this world, I am reminded You are here.

Your patient care fills my every need.

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I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I need you every moment.

You made me strong, but Your strength is stronger.

Only You can foil the enemy’s plans for me.

I can stand only with Your strength pulsing through my veins.

Your constant guidance carries me throughout each day.

In days of happiness and sadness, You never change.

You are always here.

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I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Who should I fear with You at my side?

You, who died for me and raised to life again?

What can man possibly do to me?

The cares of this world are nothing compared to You.

They might weigh me down, but when I give my burdens back to You, I triumph still.

I win only with You by my side.

Thank you for patiently bearing my burdens, walking with me every day.

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Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;
Heav’n’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

Remind me of what is really important.

You died for me.

You care deeply for me.

Your ways are higher than mine.

You have my best interest first and foremost.

I am in Your thoughts.

Your presence lifts the pressing darkness away.

You scatter it into a million pieces.

Your light and presence fill the room with peace.

And my heart rests, because You have and will always abide forever with me.

Hymn by Henry F. Lyte, 1847

Photos by Dapo Oni , Jake Gard , Aleksandr Eremin , John Mark Arnold , Tyler Lastovich & Ben White 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.

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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

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

Mary

Published on December 23, 2017June 14, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38

God asked Mary to do something for Him.

When God asked her, she responded with grace.

When God asked Mary to completely change her life and give up everything she knew, she said not my will but Your will be done.

Your will be done.

She accepted the responsibility.

She didn’t question His ways.

She declared herself the servant of the Lord.

What would you have done?

I probably would’ve grumbled.

Or questioned.

Or declared myself unworthy.

When God asks you to do things in your life, how do you respond?

Do you respond like Mary?

Do you declare His will to be your will?

Do you believe He has the best plans for you?

Are you His servant?

Or do you declare your way is better than His.

May we respond like Mary.

May we respond certain of God’s faithfulness.

Certain God’s ways are higher than our own.

And may we place our full trust in Him.

And only Him.

Photos by Josh Boot, Alex Gindin , Milada Vigerova,& Gabriel Jimenez 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

Repeat Surrender

Published on September 23, 2017December 2, 2017 by amylinneaLeave a comment

We must continue to surrender.

Surrender to God afresh moment by moment if that’s what it takes.

And trust that He will, in His time, defend you, righting the wrong.

Or, in the mean time, provide you armfuls of grace.

Overflowing and abundant grace to walk the road stretched out before you.

With God at your side.

When your hands are tied,

When there is nothing you can do,

God will step in.

It’s times like those that God is able to prove Himself to be enough.

That, my friend, is all that you need and more.

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Blessed By Trusting God

Published on September 16, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6

Do you see God walking on the sea with you..

Through all the waves and rolling thunder..

And splashes of rain..

Unconcerned and certain all is well?

Even if you cannot see the seashore, nor know which way is north, God does.

His ways are higher than yours.

He longs for you to trust Him through the process.

Through the waves and calmness of the sea.

Don’t live day after day, wishing all of life’s issues were solved.

If you do, you’ll miss out on the blessing of trusting God with all of yourself.

You’ll miss the peace which passes all understanding, guarding your heart and mind.

God longs to have you now, so He can use you mightily through the process.

It’s easy to trust God when you can see the shore.

Even easier when the sun is shining, birds are singing, you’re looking great and your family is all singing the same tune.

It’s easy then to trust.

But it’s also easy to trust the wrong thing- yourself.

Watch out, because you might think you had something to do with the blue sky and harmonious waters.

The beauty in a storm is the child-like faith we cling to.

Necessary because there’s nothing else to do.

Peace is the reward.

Peace that comes knowing we can do nothing, that God can and will do everything.

He is in control, we are not.

Cling to Him in the storm and quiet.

Purpose your will and thoughts to trust Him completely.

Even if you cannot see the shore.

Photos by Ben White & Samuel Rios on Unsplash

Not My Monkey

Published on September 9, 2017June 7, 2023 by amylinnea4 Comments

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

Not my monkey,

Not my circus.

Love that.

Means- it’s not my problem, said in an extremely funny way.

Whatever it is that threatens to pull me down….

Whatever it is that seeks to destroy my peace…

Whatever it is that begs to steal my joy…

It’s not my monkey, not my circus.

It’s not my issue, so I will not care.

I will choose to focus on God while I throw yet another issue at His feet.

The problems I think exist are not mine.

They are God’s.

My irritations I think plague me are not mine.

They are God’s.

They are God’s when I choose to fling them back to Him.

When I decide they are not my monkey, not my circus.

When I first discovered this phrase (thanks, mom!), I applied it only to things beyond my control.

Things that literally should not involve me, but genuinely bothered me.

After awhile, I began to realize this phrase covers really everything.

Everything that takes my peace.

Why?

Because God is in control.

I am not.

When we choose to rely on God and submit daily to Him, we rest in the knowledge that He alone holds our future in His hands.

And when He holds us and our future, we can stay in peace.

And peace evaporates when either a monkey or a circus intrude, wrecking havoc.

So, I began to repeat that phrase whenever I became irritated.

Irritated at whatever life threw me.

Because I trust God fully, He is in control.

And when He is in control, I am in peace.

This life is not my monkey, not my circus.

It’s God’s.

My Shepherd

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

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

The Lord is my shepherd.

My leader.

My protector.

My defender.

My guide.

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

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

I shall not want.

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

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

I lack nothing. Absolutely nothing.

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

Thoughts pop into my head that breed discontent.

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

The perfect Provider has anticipated my every need.

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

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

Lay everything at His feet.

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

Victory is His and He will not fail you.

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

Trust and Lean

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

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

Trust in the Lord.

You mean trust in my own strength, right?

No, trust in the Lord.

But I know what I want.

Need.

So does God.

In fact, He knows best.

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

Trust in Him, not in yourself.

With all of your heart.

All of me?

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

Yep.

Trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart.

And lean not on your own understanding.

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

But I know me better than God.

You do?

God created the mind with which you think.

He created your heart that beats, producing life.

He understands you more than you understand yourself.

So lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways, acknowledge Him.

All my ways?

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

When I want to go down pity’s path?

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

Yes. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him.

And He will direct your paths.

Well, I do want Him to direct my paths.

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

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

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

Remind yourself how faithful God has always been to you.

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

My Rock

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

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

Jesus is the Rock upon which I stand.

He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

He is evermore.

Everlasting.

Secure.

Safe.

He stands tall, unmovable, unshakable.

Even on stormy days, He stands fixed.

On my own, I waver with the wind.

My own strength fails me over and over.

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

There is more.

There is life.

Renewal.

Redemption.

Restoration.

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

His strength becomes my own.

His peace floods my soul.

His identity for me becomes my own.

Stormy days still come.

And will continue the rest of my days.

But holding onto God and clinging to Him changes everything.

His anchor keeps me grounded.

Grounded and rooted in love.

His love.

Choose to grasp His hand and dwell in His love.

Choose.

Then once you have chosen Him,

Choose to stay.

Always.

Still Loved

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

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

I am trying, Lord.

I am trying, yet I am failing.

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

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

To everyone I love.

To everyone I meet.

To whomever You place in my path.

But I seem to fail more than I succeed.

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

Why can I not keep You first in my life?

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

You are in my husband.

You are in my children.

You are in my students.

You are in the lady at the corner market.

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

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

Falling down to serve myself.

My needs first.

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

Your strength.

Your love for every person.

We only have one opportunity for each momentary interaction.

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

May You remind us to love others with Your love.

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

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

May we see others as You see them.

Your precious child.

And may we see ourselves that way as well.

Loved by you, flaws and all.

Worry and Dread

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

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

Ever work yourself into a worried frenzy?

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

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

Think about the very worst case scenario.

Is it really that bad?

Probably not.

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

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

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

How do you keep your brain from worrying?

Sometimes a worry keeps me frozen in fear.

Filled with dread.

Yep, I’m not perfect.

So how do you stop the train wreck?

Refuse to participate with worry and fear.

Wait a minute.

How do you do that?

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

You literally trick your brain into thinking a false reality.

Whoah. Really?

Yep.

Reverse it.

Throw your worries back to God.

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

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

Don’t dwell in worry or fear.

Won’t do a bit of good.

Won’t change a thing.

Except your peace.

That will be gone.

Worry and fear.

Not a way to live.

Daily submit yourself to God.

Pray for His guidance to walk you through life.

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

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

Photos by Chang Duong & Helena Lopes on Unsplash

Shalom

Published on August 27, 2016June 6, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

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

Completeness. Perfectly sound. Intact.

God promises us His peace.

His perfect peace.

His shalom.

When the waters begin to sway your boat, He is there to speak peace over you.

In the stillness of the night, He’s there to cover you, keeping you safe.

How?

It’s a mystery to me, but it’s there.

If you ask for it.

Then after you ask, trust Him.

Trust that He’s got this.

He’s already put His plan into motion.

His perfect plan.

His plan might not look like your plan.

But as long as you seek His face and long to do His will, He’ll be faithful to show up.

To show up and lead the way.

In peace.

So, grab hold of God’s strong hand.

And seek His face.

Don’t ever let go.

Layers of Trust

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

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

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

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

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

Picture a feather falling down, cradling upon a pile.

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

The layers are built over time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings which are personal to our precious hearts.

Trust is built.

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

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

Layers of trust.

Every relationship has them.

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

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

Entertaining Doubt

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

Why do you doubt me?

Why do you doubt my love?

Why do you doubt my goodness?

Why do you doubt my plan for you,

my personal love story written just for you?

Are you scared?

Lonely?

Trust me.

Completely.

Perfectly.

Wholly.

You must use My strength to do just that.

But I’m here ready to help.

Do not doubt me.

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

Why do we entertain thoughts of doubt?

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

That He has our back.

Little moments of life stir up whispers of fear.

We listen to the whisper.

We think about the whisper.

Doubt creeps back in through our open door.

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

Sigh.

Make a list of your fears.

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

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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.

Up to Us

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

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

God is here.

He is here in my room at this very moment.

He knows my heart.

He knows my deepest wishes.

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

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

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

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

But He needs to be invited.

Everyday.

He must be invited to do His work.

He’s always willing and ready.

We simply need to ask.

I know.

It takes time.

Healing, that is.

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

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

But the cool thing is this.

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

Trust.

Complete gut wrenching trust.

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

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

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

The Author of our life.

The Creator of all things.

Or…

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

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

And we’re human and mortal.

We don’t know the future.

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

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

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

He’s got my back.

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

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

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

Peace or angst.

Clean heart or one full of debris.

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

I choose God.

How about you?

Photo by Sam Burriss on Unsplash

Redeemer

Published on January 13, 2016June 6, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

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

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

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

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.

Photos by Jamez Picard & Dim Hou on Unsplash

Unbelievable Power

Published on October 27, 2015June 6, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

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

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 September 18, 2015June 6, 2023 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

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