Tag: Trust

Warsaw Grit

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8

Recently finished a book one of my daughters gave me for Christmas.

Love WW2 historical fiction as it draws me into a time where heroes multiply.

Reading about Dr. Korczak, a teacher who ran his orphanage full of parentless children, was touching to say the least.

While in the ghetto, he began working with another hero Irena Sendler, a Warsaw woman who saved over 2,500 children during the war.

Reading about Irena made me smile as I had just finished a book about her.

I love it when books talk about each other.

Dr. Korczak had to move his orphanage into the Warsaw ghetto, a small section of the city authorities forcefully moved all Jews.

Who was working to smuggle children to freedom?

Irena. The two met regularly, working to save those they could.

Dr. Korczak’s book ends with soldiers marching his orphaned children down the street into the waiting train cars.

He would not leave them.

They needed him. Even unto death.

As they left, he encouraged singing, one boy playing his violin as they emptied the streets of their voices.

Irena saw him go and wept.

While reading Irena’s book, she described the child’s parade out of the ghetto. Extremely moving.

I thought to myself, what an example of pure love.

Dr. Korczak had multiple opportunities to escape the ghetto, forging a new life for himself with a new identity.

But he refused to leave.

He refused to leave his family. His children who counted on him.

They were his family.

While he was unmarried and without natural children, he was a father to hundreds.

A hero.

The love he exhibited was so deep, it touched the hearts of everyone around him.

But you know what? God loves you even more than that.

From the day you were born, He continues to smile at you.

He weeps when you weep.

And He smiles when you smile.

God sees you. The whole you and He loves you so very much.

Creating you for such good things, do you trust Him for your everything?

Release your future into His hands.

Rest in the knowledge that He holds your today, your yesterday, and all of your tomorrows.

Just like Dr. Korczak led his children in good times and bad, God will go to the ends of all the world with you.

Because He loves you just as you are.

Photos by Sixteen Miles Out, Anita Austvika, Piron Guillaume, Andrew Yurkiv, & Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

Recognizing Jesus

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Would you have believed?

When Jesus walked the earth, would you have believed He was the Messiah?

Or would you have looked the other way?

Or, even worse, cast a stone in His direction?

We shudder at the thought, yes?

But we are here, over 2,000 years later, looking back.

We know who He was.

The Savior of the World.

Back then, the Jewish people had been looking for generations.

Yet their hearts were hard towards Jesus.

It was more of a miracle for Him to change their hearts then perform physical healing.

Immediate reactions included blasphemy.

Immediate reactions.

Thinking about the Jewish people, some of them believed.

Some saw miracles and believed, some saw Jesus teach and it touched their hearts.

But the majority seemed to not.

Jesus’ own home synagogue threw Him out.

So again, I wonder: what would have been our reaction to the Son of God walking among us?

I like to think we would have been forever changed, following Him to the ends of the earth.

But you never know. We’ll never know.

Jesus was not what the Jewish people were expecting.

Thinking about today, does Jesus’ plan for you look different than what you thought should happen?

Does His purpose for your life match your heart?

When He shows up in your life, do you recognize Him?

The more you become like Jesus, the more you will see His influence in your life.

Look for Him.

Ask Him to align your heart with the great purpose He has just for you.

Photos by Nighthawk Shoots,  Hugo Fergusson, Jon Tyson, & Ben White on Unsplash

Christmas Morning

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

I can hear their whispers.

All four children clamoring down the stairs to celebrate Christmas.

The anticipation.

The presents.

The moment.

I climb out of bed, putting the cinnamon rolls into the oven and popping on the local classical radio station.

As the children open their bulging stockings, carols fill the air while we sniff the first smells of cinnamon.

They delight in their gifts.

Just one more, mama, please, they beg.

They climb onto our laps as we enjoy their stocking gifts with them.

No, not from Santa, but from family, god parents, and others.

The timer goes off and I run to the kitchen, little feet padding after me.

Scooping them onto plates, my helpers carry them to the dining room table.

Toddling to the table, the littlest one climbs up.

We pray. It’s Christmas.

Diving into the sweet goodness, conversation erupts.

As they excitedly discuss their stocking gifts, we point them to the real meaning of the day.

“Why are we celebrating Christmas today, kids?” we ask.

“Because Jesus is born,” one replies.

“Yes!” we respond.

“What should we give Him? All I can give Him is myself. I have no present!” my eldest responds.

“Son, that’s all He wants,” I respond.

Bowing our heads, we pray, thanking God for sending His one and only Son to save us from ourselves.

Fast forward a few years and I think back to times like this. Times when children were small and times were simple.

My eldest gave all of his money the year he was six to purchase bibles for those in need.

Literally all of his money.

This Christmas, think as a little child. A little child thinking only of one thing: Jesus.

May you put Him first as you celebrate His birth.

May you help others see Him as you celebrate this year.

And may you return to your first child like love: Jesus.

May Jesus cover all of your thoughts, purposes, and actions today and always.

Photos by Kira auf der Heide, Erica Marsland Huynh, Max Beck, & Greyson Joralemon on Unsplash

Securely Held

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God holds you tight.

Securely.

Completely tight.

Right within Him, He holds you.

He holds your now, your past, and your future.

Navigating your path, He holds you securely.

Can’t see what’s ahead?

His hand will guide you.

Securely.

Fumbling around like there’s nothing to hold onto?

He’s right behind you, so it’s ok to let go.

Let everything go.

Let your burdens go.

One by one, place them into His capable hands.

Frustrated? Throw them down at His feet.

He doesn’t care how you do it, just give your burdens to Him.

And when you release the burdens, trust Him.

Completely.

Trust Him for your everything.

Here’s a picture of trust.

Recently, I volunteered to harness myself to a high rope, trusting not only the people, but the materials to hoist myself safely high into the air.

Panicking in mid-air, I asked to be let down closer to the ground before choosing to release myself to a safe swinging motion.

I had nothing to hold onto.

I had to let go.

That was the only option to feeling my feet once again on the safe ground.

I let go.

And I was fine.

It’s the same way with God.

Sometimes we have no vision of the future, or solid ground for our feet.

We only have God and trusting His vision for our future.

Your choice is this: to trust and let go or hang on for dear life with your own strength.

Choose to let go and let God have His way.

Yes, it might be scary, but with God next to you, there is absolutely nothing to fear.

Say no to fear and choose to let God be your everything.

I’d much rather choose God then relying on my strength alone.

But it takes guts. Real life guts.

But it’s so worth it.

Face your fears.

Face your what if’s.

Because those are nothing compared to a future with God.

Let go of what is secure and let God hold you instead.

Photos by Kayra Sercan, Elahe Motamedi, Catherine, & Ben White on Unsplash

God’s Perfect Ways

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This God – His way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. Psalm 18:30

God’s way is perfect.

His very word proves true.

If His way is perfect, why do we ever stray out on our own?

Because we’re human, wishing to live for ourselves.

The temptation to rely on ourselves sometimes is too much.

We think we can do everything on our own.

But Psalm 18 reminds us God’s way is perfect.

Ours certainly is not. In our own strength, we will fail.

What if we instead ask God to help us walk His path?

Psalm 18 continues reminding us He is our shield.

Shields protect from the onslaught of things hurled at us.

But only if we decide to partner with Him and His ways for us.

Why on earth would we choose to walk separate from God?

Selfishness.

Sinful desires.

Could be simple like eating too much junk, knowing our bodies are God’s temple.

Or sneaking an answer on our essay, copying another’s words because we are lazy.

Or it could be worse – knowingly cheating on a test, our taxes, or (gasp) our spouse.

When we choose to walk with God, God promises we will walk the perfect path He has ordained for us.

Not only that, but He will be our shield, protecting us from the world’s sin.

He will be our refuge.

But we must choose Him.

Choose Him for every little thing.

And when we do, He promises to guide us, protect us, and be our refuge in this messy world.

When you put it that way, how can we not choose Him?

Photos by Grace Galligan, Hasse Lossius, Martin Kallur (IG: @mkallur), & Michanne Lisa on Unsplash

Simple Faith

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. Psalm 25:12

Christianity is really very simple.

We are nothing without God.

Less than nothing.

Sinful, destined to live forever apart from God.

God created us. Loving us so much, He threw us a lifeline.

Jesus died in our place.

When we believe in this free gift of salvation, God is forevermore with us.

Abiding literally in us.

That’s the simple part.

When we choose God, He resides within our heart.

With God in us, why do we ever allow worry to peek out?

God will take care of it.

With God in us, why do we nurse our fears?

God is bigger than any fear and He is taking care of everything.

If we really trust that God is dwelling within us, His power is a billion trillion quadrillion times more than any stupid fear, doubt, or worry.

Remind yourself God is here.

God is here and He is bigger than anything you face.

With Him by your side, you can be filled with His perfect peace as you face whatever comes your way.

How dare we become so wrapped up with ourselves, we forget Him?

Repent and move forward with your complete trust in Almighty God.

Become so dependent on Him your mind is trained to immediately squelch fear with faith.

Going forward, replace fear with trust.

Replace unnecessary stress with peace.

Psalm 25 reminds us God will instruct us when we fear Him.

Will you fear Him, trusting His plan for your life?

Thank you, God, for saving us not only for eternity, but saving us from ourselves. We are nothing without you. Continue to remind us of your awesome presence constantly residing within us. With You continually on our mind, we can remain within your perfect peace as you instruct us in the way You choose for us. Amen.

Photos by Ugne Vasyliute, Karsten Würth, Jamez Picard, & Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash

Perspective

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Life is really all about perspective.

Right?

When life bites you, all you want is a small break.

Any relief, really.

More particular.

But when things are smooth sailing, you’re pickier.

At the beach this week, our home was about 12 houses from the ocean.

Twelve.

More like two blocks.

Yet the girls nicely complained about walking to the beach.

They wanted a ride.

It’s perspective.

If you told them back at home, the beach was literally two blocks away, they would have ran down to see it. Often.

Would not have hesitated to use their two feet.

But at the beach home?

It’s perspective.

Do you complain about anything? Your house? Your job?

All the overwhelming choices at the store?

America is the land of the free, home of the brave!

So many people in our world today would happily change places with us if they could.

Instantly. They cannot comprehend our complaining.

Change your perspective.

Me? I absolutely adore the beach. Wish I could plop Omaha right by the ocean.

But what decided to visit me while vacationing? A giant cold. Seriously sneezing.

And no, I’m not allergic to the beach.

But I literally don’t care. I’m where I love best.

What blessings are staring you in the face today?

Might not look like what you pictured.

Might even be used to it, looking for more.

So look again, asking God for His perspective.

He sees you, knows you, and loves you.

He’s got your best in His mind.

So while you seek His thoughts of you, mirror Him with your perspective.

Stop complaining and walk to the beach.

Photos by redcharlie, Petar Jadek, Colton Jones, Sean Oulashin on Unsplash

Following God When Asked

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By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 ESV

Has God directed you a certain way, but you’re not sure why?

Has God asked you to go a certain way, but you’re not sure where?

Trusting God while walking in darkness takes guts. We’re talking seriously strong guts.

Trusting someone we cannot see for a direction we are not sure where?

Are you crazy? Yep. You?

I wouldn’t call it crazy. I would call it trust. Wild trust. But trust with a secure foundation.

Abraham had layers of trust with God, knowing he could rely on God’s faithfulness.

While he did not know where he was going, he knew God was with him.

That God had ordained his steps. That was enough for him.

Is that enough for you? We have layers of trust with God, too.

Faithfulness found in the details of our lives when we care to look back. To remember.

God has always been there for you. He continues to be and will continue to be.

His faithfulness to you stretches over all of your days.

With God, there is nothing to fear, because you can look back at His personal faithfulness to you.

When He asks you to go somewhere, you can go.

When He asks you to do something, you can.

Even if you don’t know all the why’s, what if’s, or where’s, you can start on the journey.

Count yourself blessed. Just like Abraham, your faith in God will enable you to follow God all the days of your life.

Why would you follow anyone else?

Photos by Hugues de BUYER-MIMEURE & Samantha Sophia on Unsplash

Targeted Trusting

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In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:4

Is your view of God colored by your circumstances?

Do you praise Him in the raindrops or just in the sunshine?

Do you trust Him only when smoothly sailing through life or do you trust Him still when your path remains dark?

Do you acknowledge His sovereignty when your plans fall apart?

Do you obey Him even when you feel lost?

Jesus kept trusting in His Father’s plan when questioned by Jewish leaders.

He was faithful while tempted by Satan during 40 days in the desert.

He kept pouring into his disciples, even when their focus was earthly.

He chose Judas, knowing the impending future betrayal.

Jesus trusted His Father, for everything.

Every decision, every moment, every breath.

We should follow His example

Our faith in God should not waiver, no matter the comfort or stress.

Rain or shine, I will trust You.

Snow or hail, I will trust You.

Map or no map, I will trust You.

In turmoil or peace, I chose to trust You.

We trust God simply because He is God and we are not.

He holds our future.

He wants our best.

But only if we surrender and trust Him, even when the winds of life change.

Photos by Joseph Chan, Alex Shute, Andy Li, & Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash

Locked Up

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The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Are you locked up?

Are you paralyzed with fear?

Filled with anxious thoughts, unable to move forward?

When we choose to rely on our own strength, we tend to lock ourselves up, away from everyone and everything.

When that happens, we choose to remain alone.

Stuck.

Separated by God’s peace.

Why do you choose to do that?

Don’t you trust God to help?

When life seems impossible, that’s when God can step in, revealing His purposes.

But only if we let Him.

God gives us a choice.

To move with Him or without.

If we choose to ignore Him, we will become stuck.

Stuck within our selfish strength or stuck within our paralyzing fear.

But if we let God help us, our lock will relent, releasing the door to open.

God promises to enter, but only if we say yes.

How have you said no to God?

What areas of your life are closed or even locked to God?

Time to allow Him to unlock your prison door!

Photos by Beth Macdonald, Shazaf Zafar, Everyday basics, &  Jornada Produtora on Unsplash

Dear God, Help!

Published on by amylinnea3 Comments

The Lord will rescue His servants; no one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned. Psalm 34:22

This is big.

Too big.

Too much.

I can’t even wrap my mind around it, so there’s that.

I’m going to call it simply impossible.

Dead end, that’s where this situation lays.

No literal way out.

My mind is wrapped in anxiety and dread.

Blanketed with fear, causing my stomach to lurch whenever my mind remembers.

Standing at the edge, I throw up my hands in surrender.

God, I can do nothing to help.

I am not in control.

God, please help.

Please take it all away, sweeping in with Your goodness, health, and peace.

I know Your plan is not for evil, but for good.

And I know you created us with the choice to follow Your virtues or not.

While I cannot control the whims of others, I can purpose myself on You.

On Your truth.

On Your wisdom.

On Your peace.

We all face mountains, be them family situations, health, or other, that become defining points in time.

How will your mountain define you?

Turning to God, trusting Him to solve it all?

Or turning into yourself, which will 100% fail you and those you love.

Turn to Him, who created our universe and everything within.

Turn to Him, giving Him every worry, anxiety, and fear.

Turn to Him and let Him hold you, making it all better.

And watch Him work miracles.

Either you’ll see Him solve things as only He can, or you will witness Him providing you with His perfect peace within the storm.

Either way, your front row seat will behold His perfect miracle just for you.

Photos by Phạm Trọng Họ,  Ben White, & Naassom Azevedo on Unsplash

He Knows

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You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Psalm 139:16

God understands you.

After all, He created you.

He planned you from the foundation of the world.

He saw you born.

He saw you grow.

He laughed when your baby babble emerged.

He was touched when you sang your Sunday school songs.

Especially when you belted out Jesus Loves Me.

Because He does love you, ever so much.

He saw you confused as you entered adulthood, unsure of what choices to make.

He saw your bursts of kindness to others, and your not so subtle bouts with anger.

He felt your laughter and your tears.

He continues to count the hairs on your head as He walks beside you every day.

God longs to be your closest friend.

Your sounding board.

There is no one closer to you than God.

There is no one who knows you better.

But God will never push Himself into your life.

He wants to be asked.

And once you do, He’ll step right in, holding your hand the rest of the way.

Go ahead.

Ask Him.

Even if you’ve proclaimed your faith long ago, you still must choose to walk by His side.

Each day, there are multiple times we can choose to walk away from His peace, wisdom, and love.

Probably more like hundreds.

And when we walk away, He’s always waiting for us to run back into His arms.

His grace will always take you back.

The grace from Jesus’ death on the cross, which paid the penalty for all of our many daily sins.

God is holy.

And if it wasn’t for Jesus’ sacrifice, God would not be approachable due to our sinful selves.

Because of Jesus we have everything we need.

But we must choose God each and every day.

Decide to choose Him this today, trusting Him for all your tomorrows.

And do that again the next day.

And the next.

Happily ever after.

Photos by Kelli McClintock, Guillaume de Germain, Alejandro Luengo, & Angelo Pantazis on Unsplash

God Sees You

Published on by amylinnea3 Comments

He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4

Adonai El Roi is the Hebrew term for “The God who sees me”.

Meaning this: God sees you.

God, who created all things, sees you.

You.

Little ole’ you.

Ever feel invisible?

I know you aren’t, but you might feel unseen.

Not cared for.

Unvalued.

Invisible.

You might be among the living, but feel dead inside.

When we do not feel valued, we feel dead.

Invisible.

But God sees you.

He sees all of you, the good, bad, and the ugly.

He sees your heart.

He sees your dreams.

He sees your ever hopeful anticipation and your extreme disappointments.

Is that enough?

Only if you allow Him to cover you.

Because He sees you.

Psalm 91:4 reminds us that “He will cover us with His feather and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

He covers you because He sees you and He cares to be your comfort.

Your protection.

Your protecting shield.

You are not invisible to God Almighty.

He is your Adonai El Roi.

Your God who sees You.

Photos by Mick Haupt, Caleb Woods, Annie Spratt, & Debby Hudson on Unsplash

Re-Focus

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

When all the noise is stripped away, what is your focus?

In the dark of night, what grips your soul?

Worry?

Dread?

Fear?

Or Jesus?

In this world, we will have trials.

But Jesus.

In this world, we will struggle.

But Jesus.

In this world, pain will come and go.

But Jesus.

Jesus has overcome the world and everything in it.

All our trials, struggles, and pain are piled at the foot of the cross.

What has removed your focus from Jesus?

Family?

Job?

Our country?

Jesus knows the beginning from the end.

What better to focus on then the author of all life?

Look at your mountain.

Now look again through Jesus.

Looks manageable now, doesn’t it?

Trials are real, but Jesus is bigger.

Struggles are exhausting, but Jesus is bigger.

Pain can be excruciating, but Jesus is bigger.

But Jesus.

Jesus is over, under, and beside all things.

All of the trials, struggles, and pain.

Refocus on Jesus, purposing only to trust Him with everything.

Your past, present and future.

Photos by Brady Stoeltzing, Michail Dementiev, Matteo Grando,  Kyle Johnson, & Tim Bogdanov on Unsplash

Opinions That Matter

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For He strengthens the bars of your gates; He blesses your children within you. He makes peace in your borders. Psalm 147:13-14

There is no way every one will like you.

All of the time.

People won’t always agree with you.

They won’t always like you.

I happen to abhor when people dislike me.

Personality flaw, I know.

Why do we tend to care what others think of us?

Why do we desperately crave their approval?

Because we were created for love.

God’s love.

And because we live in a broken world, God is separated from us.

Newsflash: we no longer abide with God in the Garden of Eden.

Shocking, I know.

But that’s how we were created.

God created us for relationship with Him, fully loved and valued by HIm.

Yes, God created us to make our own choices, but He also wanted friendship with us.

Friendship with us!

Living in our broken world, it’s so easy to forget the reason for our existence.

As Christians, we must choose to savor God’s opinion of us over the fleeting opinions of others.

And God loves you.

Wholly.

Completely.

Securely.

There’s not anything you can do to earn God’s endless love for you.

Nothing you can do to avoid it, either.

It’s constantly around you.

Not judging you, just complete acceptance.

Doesn’t God’s opinion of you sound a whole lot better then others?

Ask God to revel Himself to you in a new way.

Ask Him to show you how much you mean to Him.

Place your trust in Him, while removing your trust in others.

Remember His faithfulness to you.

Stand tall, straighten your crown, and believe God absolutely cherishes you.

And that’s all that matters.

Photos by Annie Spratt & Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Friendship with God

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“The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net.” Psalm 25:14-15

God, who created ALL things, wants to be my friend when I place my trust with Him.

When I declare He is my God, He becomes my confidante.

When I decide to live how He wants me to be, He becomes my personal companion.

Someone who listens when I’m lonely.

Who watches me through the night.

Who longs to hear my voice.

Who wants to know all about it.

Every day.

Additionally, God will make known to you His covenant.

His unbreakable connection with you.

Forever.

Forever and always, God promises to be by your side as you fear Him.

May our eyes ever be towards the Lord, as the psalmist says.

As we continue to trust God for our everything, He will rescue us.

Our tangled ugly mess will become pretty as He plucks our feet out of the net.

I don’t know about you, but I regularly need God to rescue me.

Usually from me, myself, and I.

Our sinful selves rise up, don’t they, demanding we place our needs above all else.

May we continue to fear the Lord.

May we listen to the instruction He gives.

May our souls dwell within His peace.

May God’s friendship walk with us all of our days.

May we truly understand our incredible covenant with God.

May our eyes be ever focused towards the Lord.

And may He continue to rescue us from not only others, but ourselves, too.

Photos by chris liu on Unsplash

Valued

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

O Lord, You have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar. you search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. Psalm 139:1-4

Repeat after me.

I am loved.

I am safe.

I am valued.

Again.

I am loved.

I am safe.

I am valued.

Do you believe it?

You should.

God, who created you perfectly, loves you.

God, who stands as the ultimate protector of you, keeps you within His wings.

He protects you against the onslaught of the enemy, if you’ll allow Him to.

In order to allow God’s protection, you must trust Him.

You must ignore the lies, negating your value.

Your worth.

That you are loved.

God values you because He created you in His image.

He doesn’t make mistakes.

And His first mistake will not be and was not you.

You are loved.

You are safe.

You are valued.

Believe it and trust that God will order your steps according to His will, if you submit to Him.

He will bring others into your life for you to bless.

He will also bring others into your life to bless your socks off.

And He will perfect your ways as only He can.

Allow Him access to all of you.

Your thoughts.

Your desires.

Your choices.

As you submit to God, you will be filled with the peace of God which passes all understanding.

You will feel the love of God.

You will know you are safe.

And you will begin to see your value.

But only if you submit to God.

What are you possibly waiting for?

Self?

You will not, I promise, save yourself.

If you live for yourself, you will constantly be not only disappointed, but live in absolute misery.

Because life will disappoint.

Royally.

People will disappoint you to the point of rejection.

But God never will.

Choose God first.

Choose God first and you will forever live under His love, safety, and value.

There really is no choice.

Photos by Kate Hliznitsova, Catherine, Tyler Nix, & Hush Naidoo on Unsplash

Joseph and Mary

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And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt. Matthew 2:14

God interrupted their plans.

Big time, yes?

Joseph and Mary were ordinary people living a simple life doing normal things.

They had normal plans.

Get married.

Start a family.

Carve out the best possible existence with the resources they had.

They were not unlike all of us.

But God stepped into their lives, interrupting the journey they thought they would take.

God didn’t completely alter their plans, just changed it up, adding a baby, shepherds, Wiseman, and fleeing into Egypt in the middle of the night to avoid certain death.

But eventually, they settled into that semi-normal life they originally sought.

Normal if you can call it that while parenting the son of God.

What has God interrupted in your life?

This year has been full of interruptions.

I know, the interruptions aren’t from God, or are they?

Has God awakened your desire to know Him more?

To trust Him more?

Has God opened your eyes to see how much the world needs His good news?

Has your trust in God deepened as normal life has somewhat changed?

While God has not announced life altering declarations to you through an angel, He has allowed our lives to change.

Maybe only for a season, but they have been changed.

And because God holds all things, the past, present, and the future, in his Hands, we can trust Him through all of it.

I believe God has spoken to you through this time.

But you must listen.

Listen to His whispers of encouragement when you are filled with loneliness.

Listen to His domination over fear when you are filled with anxiety.

Listen to His great love for you when you feel abandoned.

Dig into the Bible, worship Him with praise, and purpose your mind to focus on Him and what you know He wants you to do.

Mary and Joseph did that.

They could have run away screaming from what God asked them to do when He stepped into their lives, interrupting their best laid plans.

But they didn’t.

They chose to trust in Almighty God and then obey.

Do the same.

Trust Him for your everything and then obey Him, knowing you are fully loved and fully known by God.

Photos by Annie Spratt, Maria Shanina, Josh Boot, & David Beale on Unsplash

Safe and Sound

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You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5

God, who created all things, is with you every step of the way.

Not only is He with you, but He is behind you, covering your past, taking away the pain.

He takes any pain of your past if you’ll let Him, because He wants you to live in the now.

But you have to give it to Him, purposing not to return to that pity party.

Decide instead to keep the sweet memories, letting God be in charge of any negativity associated with the past.

…in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. (Ps 139:5)

He is also before you.

He prepares your future plans.

All safe and sound with His plans, if you trust Him completely in that.

Trusting God for your future means you are not anxious.

Not fearful of what if’s.

You rest, knowing God has it all under control.

You recognize He wants the very best for you and will be with you for all of it, easy or hard.

You wake up every day, thanking Him for guiding you into how His plans for this day will unfold.

You know every step I will take before my journey even begins. You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way..(Ps 139:5)

He lays His hand upon you.

He covers you with His shelter and protection, giving you His perfect peace.

The blessing of His presence is enough to calm your anxious soul.

It is enough to cover the less than perfect past.

It is enough to keep you in His perfect peace knowing His future plans for you are perfect.

…With your hand of love upon my life, you impart a blessing to me. (Ps 139:5)

Thank you, God for caring about me.

Thank you, God, for walking with me, covering my past, present, and future.

Increase my faith and trust, knowing that with You by my side, I am at peace.

For yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

And always.

Photos by Glenn Carstens-Peters, Oliver Fetter, henry perks, Johny Goerend, Allef Vinicius, & Sandis Helvigs on Unsplash

Coming to Our Senses

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“…and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:26

I assume you want to come to your senses.

To live honorably before all men.

Senseless living showcases foolishness.

Usually on display for all to see.

Sometimes we don’t see our own folly. Why?

Because we have not come to our senses and are living under the influence of the devil.

The verse above states when we are not living wisely, meaning not living in our senses, we are in the snare of the devil, biding his will.

Actually participating in the devil’s evil plans instead of God’s holy design. Ouch.

Paul elaborates speaking to the Lord’s servant about not being quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. (2 Timothy 3:24)

Who are the Lord’s servants? Us.

Those who love God and wish to serve Him with our whole selves.

Especially pastors.

Those in spiritual authority over us.

If you want to categorize servants, pastors must strive more to live as examples of humble servants.

Only when we are kind, gentle, and patient is God able to free us from ourselves.

From living senselessly under the capture and will of the devil.

God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:25)

Only when we live with the fruit of the spirit will God allow our eyes to revel our own selfishness, leading us to God’s truth before our eyes.

Folks, we often miss it.

We think we are following God.

But we are mistaken, because we are trusting in ourselves before Him.

We trust in our reasoning, not allowing the Holy Spirit to convict us of our past.

Instead may we fly from youthful passions, pursuing instead righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with a pure heart.

And may God open our eyes to His will, giving us the courage to obey Him.

I for one cringe when I think about acting in the will of the devil.

How ’bout you?

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God Alone

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But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

We cannot rely on anyone but God alone.

God alone is all we need.

If you place your trust in humans, you will be disappointed.

Bitterly.

But God will never disappoint you.

Yes, He won’t always do what you want.

But you can rest assured He has your back.

He has your best interest at heart.

God has no sin, so His love is pure.

Not spoiled with human interests.

Yes, we can rely upon our spouses.

Yes, we can rely upon our children.

Yes, we can rely upon our family and friends.

But they will all disappoint.

They will break your heart.

Again and again.

God will not.

While God provides us human relationships on this earth, they will never fill the void in your soul.

Only God can fill that completly.

Fully.

Lonely?

Humans cannot respond with the companionship you need.

But God can.

Sad?

Humans cannot respond with the sympathy you need.

But God can.

Confused?

Humans cannot respond with the direction you need.

But God can.

While God does place people in our lives here on earth, they cannot fill the void God leaves.

Ever.

People will disappoint.

But God will not.

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Faith in the Valley

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For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

How do you have faith when God allows things you wish He wouldn’t?

What then?

God is sovereign over all.

Yes, our world is broken.

But nothing happens in this life without first filtering through God’s hands.

God’s hands hold our future before it is ever brought to us.

His sovereign knowledge over all things perfectly decides things He allows and does not allow.

There’s comfort in that.

Comfort in knowing all things have first been held in His hands.

Isaiah 55: 8-9 reminds us “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Because God knows the beginning from the end, His ways and thoughts include the big picture.

Way more than little ole us.

He thinks beyond our momentary crisis.

He wants to shape our long term character.

His sight is beyond our day’s irritation or foul mood.

His purposes are to mold us into the person He sees us as.

The way He already sees us.

God has great plans for us.

But will we cooperate?

All comes back to trust.

What if God wants to use your trials to bless others?

To quicken the healing of their wounds?

In order to do that you must walk through, successfully to the other side of the valley.

But I don’t want the valley.

I didn’t ask for the valley.

My friend’s valley’s never look as deep as mine.

It’s not fair.

I know.

More importantly, God knows.

He sees it all.

Remember, He knows the beginning from the end.

And that includes yours.

He saw you years before you were born and He knows when you’ll join Him in heaven.

And everything in between.

He also sees how you can be.

But only with His help.

He sees you whole.

Happy.

Trusting Him with all things like a small child.

Place your trust back into His capable hands.

Give your worries and fears back to Him.

And trust Him with your future.

After all, He’s already there.

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Depending Upon Him

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For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

Don’t hesitate.

Don’t stop and think.

Don’t be afraid to trust in God completely.

Even when you wait in silence.

God is still working.

Your peace is still secure.

His protection is still near, surrounding you like a fortress.

Depend upon Him.

Depend upon Him for strength to get through the day.

Depend upon Him for love to give to others.

Depend upon Him for peace to calm the storm.

Depend upon Him.

God says you will NOT be shaken from His protection.

You will NOT be thrown out from His presence when you are His.

When you choose to dwell with Him.

When He is your salvation.

When you choose to stand in God’s salvation, His protection and peace will steady the shaking, no matter how big or small.

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Walking With God

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You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fulness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

Do we have to know?

Do we have to know everything about our future?

How this decision will affect that one later on?

No, we do not.

In fact, we can not.

It’s impossible.

We can plan, but ultimately God is in control.

He is the author and finisher of all life.

When we daily place our trust into His capable hands, He guides us through all of life’s murky waters and the crystal clear ones, too.

I liken life to doors when I think about life’s decisions, big or small.

Sometimes God opens doors.

He opens them wide.

Step through with confidence.

Knowing God opens a door for you should remind you how much He thinks of you.

He knows your heart and as long as you are trusting Him with every breath, rest in the confidence of His goodness and mercy.

Even if the door is open just a crack, knowing He wants you to participate, open the door just a little bit more.

Tell fear to take a hike and stand confidently with God.

But sometimes He slams them in our face.

You might be walking down a certain path, but all the doors are closed.

You see an open door, run to it, but it’s slammed shut before you get there.

Ask God why.

Maybe He’s teaching you patience.

Or maybe He’s telling you no.

So, what should you do when you think you know what God wants you to do, but you’re not totally sure as you have let fear or anxiety in for a visit?

Walk confidently towards the door.

Push on it, and see if it opens.

If it does, take the hand of God and walk through.

Whatever is on the other side will be ok, as long as you are walking with God.

Walking with God means you have given yourself over to His purposes, trusting Him for every breath, every decision big or small.

Your heart is His.

Well, when you put it like that, let’s go!

Where do you want to take me, Lord?

You, Lord, are all I have, and You give me all I need; my future is in Your hands. How wonderful are Your gifts to me; how good they are!

I praise the Lord, because He guides me, and in the night my conscience warns me. I am always aware of the Lord’s presence; He is near, and nothing can shake me.

And so I am thankful and glad, and I feel completely secure, because You protect me from the power of death. I have served you faithfully, and You will not abandon me to the world of the dead.

You will show me the path that leads to life; Your presence fills me with joy
and brings me pleasure forever. Psalm 16:5-11

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Hiding

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“Am I a God at hand,” declares the Lord, “and not a God far away? Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him?” declares the Lord. “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 23:23-24

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What are you hiding?

A secret?

What is your deepest fear?

What are you hiding behind?

Job status?

A relationship?

Sin?

Do you subscribe to the notion that no one would like you if they really knew the whole you?

These all boil down to fear, due to misplaced trust.

Trusting in yourself before God.

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When you hide in your fears, you place yourself in charge.

You are telling God you don’t trust Him.

Come out.

Come out from behind the couch and place your hand into God’s.

Tell Him your fears.

Tell Him your anxieties.

Ask Him to replace them with the truth.

His truth.

He’ll do it.

He’ll cover you with His feathers, encapsulating your very self.

Instead of hiding from God, hide within Him.

Use His protection against fear.

Use His protection against anxiety.

Use His truth to replace the lies you’ve believed your whole life.

After all, He already knows everything.

And He’s still right beside you. Always.

Photos by Caleb Woods & Annie Spratt on Unsplash

 

Interrupting Plans

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“for I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Joseph and Mary had big plans.

They were simple folk with regular plans.

Get married and build a life, working hard to produce an honorable Jewish family.

Probably were going to stay in town, as folks didn’t regularly move away from their communities.

I can imagine Mary collecting recipes from her mother, gathering the skills needed to run her own household.

Joseph, too, honing his carpentry skills, collecting tools, starting on their forever house.

They had plans.

Plans that were normal, thoughtful, accepted, and logical.

Accepted.

Then God stepped in.

He changed their plans.

Radically.

Disrupted their entire future.

Joseph and Mary went from knowing how their future would proceed to trusting God with everything they had.

Went from predictable reliable plans to an unknown, scary future.

Scary, yes, because now they had no one but themselves.

And God.

Their friends probably thought they were crazy.

And their family hopefully believed them, but the Bible doesn’t record their reactions, so who really knows?

All we know is both Mary and Joseph said yes to God.

They trusted His words and each other.

They chose to walk a difficult journey because they KNEW God had ordained it.

They were confident God would be with them always.

That they were IN His plans.

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And what about you?

What has God interrupted in your life?

What plans of yours has He changed?

It’s irritating, I know, when things change.

Guessing Mary and Joseph weren’t always in great moods about the whole thing.

But they kept going.

They remembered they were in God’s plan.

That God Himself was in control.

And you, too.

When God interrupts your plans, you fall back into His.

His great plans for your life.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Like Joseph and Mary, allow God to interrupt.

Accept His perfect plan for your life.

And take comfort knowing He wants the very best for you, His child.

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Photos by Alex Gindin, Roman Kraft, Luca Baggio, & Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash

Watered Wood

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

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What watered wood do you have on your alter?

What?

You heard me.

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

Meaning, what unbelievably impossible burdens do you carry?

What disastrous situations are you declaring unsolvable today?

That’s what watered wood is.

Situations that seem utterly impossible.

That’s because they are.

Utterly impossible.

In your strength.

But not in God’s.

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

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

Accepted.

God does not care just how big your burden is.

Because He is always bigger still.

Always.

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

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

Remember, fire and water don’t mix.

And God came through.

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

And He’ll do the same with you.

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

Completely.

But only if you trust Him.

Allow Him to work.

Allow Him by giving everything to Him.

Then watch Him work it all out.

Completely.

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

Known

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

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How is God known?

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

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

Through His grace demonstrated in us each and every day.

Through His love poured out from our fingertips to others.

Through His peace we feel while tossed to and fro.

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

Through the giving we provide to those who lack.

Through the servant we become when thinking more of others.

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

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

Through the wisdom we have when asking God for help.

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

And living, not dying from it.

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

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

How well do you know Him?

Well, I hope.

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

 

Resist

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

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How do you resist God?

With what words or actions do you tell Him no?

He will never insist.

He will never beg.

He simply tells you His truth and waits.

Waits for you to come to Him.

No manipulation.

No threats.

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So how do you resist Him?

Ignoring His prompts to share His grace.

Busying your schedule, crowding out time in His Word.

Choosing entertainment before praying for your family.

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

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

Succumbing to selfishness instead of serving.

The list goes on and on.

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Resisting God equals loving ourselves more.

But what if you invited God to take over?

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

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

What if you considered God all day?

Instead of merely before bed when you pause and pray?

We resist God when we focus on ourselves.

Instead, resist yourself and focus on Him.

Focus on God.

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Today & Tomorrow

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

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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.

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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.

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

Honor

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Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21

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Sometimes God allows something to occur we simply cannot figure out.

Something unbelievable, even in-explainable.

Take Job for instance.

He was an upstanding citizen.

He was a regular sinful man, but he was righteous before God.

Doing all the right things.

Yet, God allowed his suffering.

Nothing Job did to deserve it.

God said so.

I have a dear student whose mother just passed away.

Suddenly, without warning.

One minute laughing, the other minute silent.

She was a strong Christian.

Wife, mother of two, volunteered her life for others.

So why did God allow her sudden death?

I cannot possibly figure it out.

Like Job.

I cannot understand why God allowed Job to suffer.

Why God allows any of us to suffer.

But I do know this:  God uses every situation to bring us and others closer to Him.

If we allow it.

If we don’t instead allow our selfish ways to usurp God’s path, turning instead to anger or self-pity.

But if we allow Him to work through us, eventually healing every wound.

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Unfortunately, there is and will be so much unbelievable suffering in this world.

That is a given.

I think God needs some of His sheep to minister healing and peace to the pain of the world.

Not sure why He chooses some of us to have that job and not others…..

Frankly, it’s not for me to know.

God uses all situations, ugly or beautiful, for His purposes.

All we can do is trust Him in the process.

Trust Him to guide us.

And save us.

If God hand picks you to suffer terribly, allow yourself to grieve.

But bring God along for the ride.

His peace will cleanse your heart and mind.

Yes, your heart will never be the same.

But your witness will stand strong for others, giving hope and light in the utter darkness of the world.

Your light will pull others up from their knees.

Your peace will strengthen broken hearts.

Your faith will point others to the feet of Jesus.

Your living example of God’s redemptive power will break the chains of despair.

Chosen by God.

What an honor.

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Photos by Delphine Ducaruge, Gan Wien, & Robert Metz on Unsplash

What Then

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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

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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?

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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?

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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.

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Faith

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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

God’s Continuing Provision

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He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He causes me to stand on the heights. 

Deer are so nimble.

Unlike us.

We tend to fall.

A lot.

But deer rarely stumble.

God made them that way.

When we trust God, He will cause our feet to stay strong.

Firm.

Securely on the path He has opened for us.

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He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 

God helps us fight.

He shows us what to do and just how to do it.

He gives us His incredible strength to accomplish great things.

Necessary things.

We are amazed at our strength when we are strong through Him.

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You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great. 

God helps us, saving us, shielding us.

We do not falter with His right hand steadying us.

Keeping us upright.

More than upright, but successfully tall.

Standing tall and unharmed.

Perfectly whole.

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You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way. Psalm 18:33-36

God creates the path and walks with me, guarding every step, ensuring I don’t fall. 

All I must do is trust His way, holding onto Him.

The way is unknown, every step taken in faith; however, it is very good. 

Why? 

Because God is perfect. 

God is good. 

I am His.

And He is mine.

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Photos by Matt Palmer, Rebecca Prest,Guillaume Briard,Orlova Maria, & Karsten Würth (@inf1783) on Unsplash

Daily Effort

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Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

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Walking in life-giving steps requires daily effort.

Deliberately stepping into what God has for you is a choice.

It’s rather easy to stumble, falling into death.

Death?

Walking into self-pity.

Agreeing with rejection.

Joining with unloving.

Listening to fear.

Satan knows our weaknesses.

Tempting us is rather easy as we are so used to succumbing to his pitiful ways.

We are so weak.

Yet, with God, we are strong.

So very strong, we have literally no idea.

No idea, whatsoever, what power is ours.

Power that can shut down the devil’s temptations in an instant.

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Guard yourself.

Guard myself, how?

Writing down your precious blessings from God.

Listing scriptures which proclaim the truth of God over the lies of Satan.

Tuning into worship music, filling your brain with the praises of God.

Telling fear to go.

Cancelling the assignments of rejection.

Declaring God’s power over all.

Then stepping back in line with life.

The life hidden under God’s all-powerful wings.

But you must also choose to stay.

Choose to stay aligned with God.

Completely.

Walking with God produces life.

He’ll take all of your fears and lay them to rest.

Believe Him.

Because He is life.

Your life nestled safely in His hands.

Photos by Olia Gozha & Ben White on Unsplash

Trust No Matter What

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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

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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.

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Photos by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Our Job

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

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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.

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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

Pure Trust

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Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12

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Been reading about Abraham lately.

Like so many of you, I’ve decided to read through the Bible yet again this year.

So, I’ve come to Abraham.

Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac, more specifically.

Can you even possibly imagine simply obeying God about this?

God asked Abraham to “Take his only son, whom he loves, and offer him as a sacrifice.”

Incredibly, the next passage simply states that “Abraham rose early the next morning” and basically began his journey.

With Isaac.

To sacrifice him.

That was the express purpose of this trip.

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Notice any arguing with God?

Complaining?

Questioning?

Abraham did none of those things.

He had argued before about the destruction of Sodom a couple chapters earlier.

So, we know he dared to argue with God.

But somehow, he didn’t now.

I’m simply stunned.

To me, that shows how much Abraham trusted God.

God had told him his offspring would be multitudinous through Isaac.

Maybe he had a sneaking feeling God would intervene, due to that earlier promise.

Maybe he thought he’d have another son and name him Isaac, too.

He had witnessed miracles, including the birth of his son in his old age.

He regularly talked with God.

Therefore, he did not question God’s commands.

To sacrifice his only son,

Abraham had unwavering faith.

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What about you?

What would you have done?

God regularly tests our faith.

Big or small, God is continually asking us to simply trust Him.

With everything.

Trust Him and pass the test.

Because just like Abraham, God will show up when you do.

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Photos by Matthias Tillen on Unsplash

Securely Loved

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And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security. Job 11:18

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Are you securely loved?

By anyone here on earth?

Have you the pleasure of knowing you are completely surrounded by that love?

Completely safe through the knowledge you are absolutely securely loved?

Do you have that from your folks?

From your spouse?

A dear friend?

Securely loved means you don’t have to perform to earn it.

You can mess up, even royally, and stay in peace, knowing you are loved for who you are, not what you are.

Securely.

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Have you lost that security?

Ever?

Have you lost the undying love of your folks?

Has the spouse you vowed to love left you through death or divorce?

There are few earthly relationships God has designed to provide love.

Secure love.

Love that doesn’t measure your worth based on what you are, but loves you for who you are.

Love from parents and spouses are the two that come to mind.

Unfortunately, our broken world produces lives that fall apart from the lack of secure love.

Our one and only hope of secure love rests in the loving arms of God.

In the One who created us for love.

Who designed our hearts to love.

His love is secure.

It will never fail.

If you’ve never felt securely loved, it’s time to place your trust in God.

His love for you will astound you.

You mess up, but He still loves you.

You put other things before Him, but He still loves you.

You recommit, deciding to get serious with God for the 110th time and He still loves you.

God loves you.

How much?

He sent His one and only son to die for you.

For you.

His love predates you and will go on for ever.

Rest securely in His love.

You can never earn it, so He gives it to you freely.

When you trust in Him, you are absolutely securely loved.

Forever.

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Hope

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

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What is hope, really?

Knowing the situation will improve.

Seeing signs of improvement.

Signs of hope.

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

Do you have hope?

Doesn’t matter what situation you are thinking of.

Can be big or small.

Hope your child will return their reverence to God.

Hope your boss will recognize your hard work.

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

Hope your spouse will pick up dinner for you.

Some hope isn’t reasonable.

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

Hope taxes will forever say goodbye.

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

But real life hope is possible.

Needed, in fact.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Place your hope in Him.

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

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

You don’t need that.

Because you have hope.

Real hope from God above.

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