However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come"
~John 16:13~
The Holy Spirit really does speak. He speaks to you and He speaks to me. His voice is still and small. We have to be close to hear Him. It's more that just an idea or intuition. His voice is a whisper into our spirit, drawing us toward something. He covers us with His Spirit like a blanket as we pull closer & obey. He tells us of things to come. He speaks words of encouragement about our future, giving us hope when we feel like giving up. He speaks words of warning when danger is near. He speaks words of peace when we are scared to death. He speaks words of comfort when our heart is absolutely broken. He holds us, and loves us when we believe no one else does. He sends us to comfort others, to bring peace to others, to warn others, to give hope to others, to love. He IS hope, protection, peace, comfort, love. He IS the Spirit of truth. He comes in the authority of God our Father, and in the authority of Jesus Christ our Savior. You have the greatest wonder of the world dwelling inside you, The Holy Spirit of our creater. Walk in His supernatural strength today
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Are you looking?
"...and (he)said to his servant,'Go up now, look toward the sea.' So he went up and looked, and said,'There is nothing.' And seven times he said, 'Go again'."
~II Kings 18:43~
Have you quit praying for it? Have you quit seeking? When is the last time you went to see if your blessing is on the horizon? Do you look with great faith, anticipating the answer to be on it's way?
Don't give up! Go expecting 7 times, or 70 times if needed. Whatever God has promised, whatever you stand in need of, keeping asking God for it! Can you hear it? There is a an abundance of rain coming your way!
"Then Elijah said to Ahab, 'Go up,eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain" ~II Kings 18:41~
~II Kings 18:43~
Have you quit praying for it? Have you quit seeking? When is the last time you went to see if your blessing is on the horizon? Do you look with great faith, anticipating the answer to be on it's way?
Don't give up! Go expecting 7 times, or 70 times if needed. Whatever God has promised, whatever you stand in need of, keeping asking God for it! Can you hear it? There is a an abundance of rain coming your way!
"Then Elijah said to Ahab, 'Go up,eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain" ~II Kings 18:41~
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Time to Awake
"And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed" ~Rom 13:11~
Monday night, or should I say Tue morning at 2:00am, I was suddenly awakened...I mean wide awake. I couldn't decide why. I pulled out my devotion books and went ahead and did Tuesdays since I had to leave at 6:30 am for meetings anyway, but still couldn't sleep. I heard my pups outside a time or two, and figured they were chasing off a stray dog. At 3:00 am, I still couldn't sleep, so I tried praying, asking God if He was keeping me awake for some reason, what was I missing? What couldn't I hear clearly?
Then I heard it loud and clear! A pack of coyotes, right outside my window at the edge of the woods. I jumped up and ran to wake the boys. Blake grabbed the shotgun while Elijah & I got our puppies inside. They were gone, no harm done.
That must have been it. The reason I needed to be alert and awake. Danger was near. We all laid back down and slept like babies.
How many times do I sleep when God tries to awaken me? How many times does He shake me, saying: Danger is near! Be alert, be prepared. How many times is His voice muffled in my drowsy spiritual state?
Lord, awaken me! Shake me until I am alert! Let me focus on Your voice so I can hear Your instructions, Your warnings clearly. Raise me from a drowsy spiritual state into a purposeful state of keen awareness. Thank You for warning me of troubles I can avoid. Thank you for saving me from many things I never even realize. Thank You that once the danger is gone, you let me lay down in sweet rest.
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light" ~Rom 13:11~
Monday night, or should I say Tue morning at 2:00am, I was suddenly awakened...I mean wide awake. I couldn't decide why. I pulled out my devotion books and went ahead and did Tuesdays since I had to leave at 6:30 am for meetings anyway, but still couldn't sleep. I heard my pups outside a time or two, and figured they were chasing off a stray dog. At 3:00 am, I still couldn't sleep, so I tried praying, asking God if He was keeping me awake for some reason, what was I missing? What couldn't I hear clearly?
Then I heard it loud and clear! A pack of coyotes, right outside my window at the edge of the woods. I jumped up and ran to wake the boys. Blake grabbed the shotgun while Elijah & I got our puppies inside. They were gone, no harm done.
That must have been it. The reason I needed to be alert and awake. Danger was near. We all laid back down and slept like babies.
How many times do I sleep when God tries to awaken me? How many times does He shake me, saying: Danger is near! Be alert, be prepared. How many times is His voice muffled in my drowsy spiritual state?
Lord, awaken me! Shake me until I am alert! Let me focus on Your voice so I can hear Your instructions, Your warnings clearly. Raise me from a drowsy spiritual state into a purposeful state of keen awareness. Thank You for warning me of troubles I can avoid. Thank you for saving me from many things I never even realize. Thank You that once the danger is gone, you let me lay down in sweet rest.
"The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light" ~Rom 13:11~
Monday, November 23, 2009
Homemade
"For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You in a time when You may be found; surely in a flood of great waters they shall not come near him. You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance." ~Ps 32:6-7~
Time. Love is truly spelled T-I-M-E.
Friday night we had our ladies prayer group. Lori had prepared delicious Italian beef subs, some extra sweet desserts, and her home was warm and welcome, a place we could share our hearts and prayers.
Yesterday the kids & I had grilled cheese sandwiches and loaded baked potatoes for lunch. For my family, it requires 14 grilled cheeses, and 10 baked potatoes. Now, when we are in a rush, I often will a cookie sheet with all the bread slices and cheese, then toast them in the oven one side at a time. But, my teenager just really wanted the old fashioned kind, buttery on the stove top. So I did, fixed all 14 on the stove top. Then, I cut and fixed all 10 baked potatoes, yes even for my teenagers. My fork finger was worn out! We ate by the fireplace watching a good movie.
Last night was Metamorphosis at our church, where the teens hang out, eat and play games. And they had corn dogs. Not the store bought kind I warm up at home, but the homemade kind, where some of our church members took the time to make the batter! Even kids really appreciate the extra time spent on them & spent with them.
God is just like that with us. He spends direct time with each of us when we let Him. He hand crafts the plans for our life, to meet His greatest desires for us, giving us what we need most, and even adds many of our desires along the way. You can SEE his love for us by His actions toward us, His protection over us, His forgiveness of us, His guidance to us, and His light shining through us. Thank You, God, for giving me Your homemade, Heaven made, love & time.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye" ~Ps 32:8~
Time. Love is truly spelled T-I-M-E.
Friday night we had our ladies prayer group. Lori had prepared delicious Italian beef subs, some extra sweet desserts, and her home was warm and welcome, a place we could share our hearts and prayers.
Yesterday the kids & I had grilled cheese sandwiches and loaded baked potatoes for lunch. For my family, it requires 14 grilled cheeses, and 10 baked potatoes. Now, when we are in a rush, I often will a cookie sheet with all the bread slices and cheese, then toast them in the oven one side at a time. But, my teenager just really wanted the old fashioned kind, buttery on the stove top. So I did, fixed all 14 on the stove top. Then, I cut and fixed all 10 baked potatoes, yes even for my teenagers. My fork finger was worn out! We ate by the fireplace watching a good movie.
Last night was Metamorphosis at our church, where the teens hang out, eat and play games. And they had corn dogs. Not the store bought kind I warm up at home, but the homemade kind, where some of our church members took the time to make the batter! Even kids really appreciate the extra time spent on them & spent with them.
God is just like that with us. He spends direct time with each of us when we let Him. He hand crafts the plans for our life, to meet His greatest desires for us, giving us what we need most, and even adds many of our desires along the way. You can SEE his love for us by His actions toward us, His protection over us, His forgiveness of us, His guidance to us, and His light shining through us. Thank You, God, for giving me Your homemade, Heaven made, love & time.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye" ~Ps 32:8~
Friday, November 20, 2009
Be My Pillar
"And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people" ~Ex 13:21-22~
I just had one thought on my mind this morning as I prepared to do devotion: Columns. Yep, doesn't sound very spiritual, does it? But then again, maybe it does.
Columns are a support system, designed for strength, to hold up something. Without them, the structure caves under pressure. If the columns become damaged in a storm, like mine did this spring when a tree fell on my house, they must be replaced to ensure the integrity & safety of the dwelling. Or, if columns are exposed to the elements-wind, rain, heat, cold-without being properly sealed & maintained, they will decay from the inside out.
God is like a column to us. He is our complete support system. He is our strength. He holds us up when we couldn't get out of bed alone. Without Him, our spirit caves under the pressures of life. If our dwelling becomes damaged in the storms of life, we can depend on His presence in the form of new columns, new reinforcements He lines up to ensure our safety. When we are exposed to the elements-sin, persecution, sorrow, heartbreak, financial need, divorce, sickness, death-He seals us with His love and His salvation. He maintains us by His hope and His promises if we will turn to Him. Without Him, we would decay from the inside out.
When I think of a cloud, I think fluffy pillow. But when I think of pillar, I think of column, mighty tower. That's what led the children of Israel-A mighty tower, a support system, unwavering strength, sealed protection. He went before them. He never took His provision away.
He does the same for us every day. Those columns we see in the daytime, standing strong, are still there in the night, when you face the darkest of times.
I just had one thought on my mind this morning as I prepared to do devotion: Columns. Yep, doesn't sound very spiritual, does it? But then again, maybe it does.
Columns are a support system, designed for strength, to hold up something. Without them, the structure caves under pressure. If the columns become damaged in a storm, like mine did this spring when a tree fell on my house, they must be replaced to ensure the integrity & safety of the dwelling. Or, if columns are exposed to the elements-wind, rain, heat, cold-without being properly sealed & maintained, they will decay from the inside out.
God is like a column to us. He is our complete support system. He is our strength. He holds us up when we couldn't get out of bed alone. Without Him, our spirit caves under the pressures of life. If our dwelling becomes damaged in the storms of life, we can depend on His presence in the form of new columns, new reinforcements He lines up to ensure our safety. When we are exposed to the elements-sin, persecution, sorrow, heartbreak, financial need, divorce, sickness, death-He seals us with His love and His salvation. He maintains us by His hope and His promises if we will turn to Him. Without Him, we would decay from the inside out.
When I think of a cloud, I think fluffy pillow. But when I think of pillar, I think of column, mighty tower. That's what led the children of Israel-A mighty tower, a support system, unwavering strength, sealed protection. He went before them. He never took His provision away.
He does the same for us every day. Those columns we see in the daytime, standing strong, are still there in the night, when you face the darkest of times.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Family Ties, The Remnant Saved
"At the same time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people" ~Jer 31:1~
This chapter is titled in my Bible: "The Remnant of Israel Saved". I always think about people without a family during the holidays. I know how it feels to be estranged from family members, or to lack the close family relationships others share with extended family...aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, all packed in one house, catching up on things, sharing good stories and laughs, crowded around the table, grateful to be together for another season of thanks.
I feel so blessed to have my children! We have a table full every day of our life. We share meals, stories about our day, and always plenty of laughs. I think we value each other's presence and company more now than ever. We plan things, just for us. The bonds we share, the relationships we have built, they are for a life time. There is nothing like hearing your children pray, thanking God for our time together as a family, to do things together that we enjoy, supporting one another. Regardless of riches, regardless of what obstacles we face, regardless of what goes on outside that door, we are family. We are home with each other. These are the ties that bind. This is our remnant being saved.
But you don't have to look far to see how God can use you to be someones extended family. Start family traditions of your own! We go to the Salvation Army and serve every Thanksgiving. Look for neighbors that have no one to celebrate the holidays with. Nursing homes always have a lonely someone that needs a visit. Think of a family in your community that has really had a tough year, maybe sickness,or job loss...they could probably use some groceries, or even a meal cooked for them. Sometimes the invitation to a friend's house in a lonely season of life is like receiving a life-line.
Be help. Be hope. Bind up your family ties. Build new ones. Let God use you to save the remnant.
"Thus says the Lord: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness-Israel, when I went to give him rest...yes, I have loved you with everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt..." ~Jer 31:2-4~
This chapter is titled in my Bible: "The Remnant of Israel Saved". I always think about people without a family during the holidays. I know how it feels to be estranged from family members, or to lack the close family relationships others share with extended family...aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, all packed in one house, catching up on things, sharing good stories and laughs, crowded around the table, grateful to be together for another season of thanks.
I feel so blessed to have my children! We have a table full every day of our life. We share meals, stories about our day, and always plenty of laughs. I think we value each other's presence and company more now than ever. We plan things, just for us. The bonds we share, the relationships we have built, they are for a life time. There is nothing like hearing your children pray, thanking God for our time together as a family, to do things together that we enjoy, supporting one another. Regardless of riches, regardless of what obstacles we face, regardless of what goes on outside that door, we are family. We are home with each other. These are the ties that bind. This is our remnant being saved.
But you don't have to look far to see how God can use you to be someones extended family. Start family traditions of your own! We go to the Salvation Army and serve every Thanksgiving. Look for neighbors that have no one to celebrate the holidays with. Nursing homes always have a lonely someone that needs a visit. Think of a family in your community that has really had a tough year, maybe sickness,or job loss...they could probably use some groceries, or even a meal cooked for them. Sometimes the invitation to a friend's house in a lonely season of life is like receiving a life-line.
Be help. Be hope. Bind up your family ties. Build new ones. Let God use you to save the remnant.
"Thus says the Lord: The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness-Israel, when I went to give him rest...yes, I have loved you with everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt..." ~Jer 31:2-4~
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Jesus Glitter
"The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is it's light" ~Rev 21:23~
Won't that be a breath-taking day? When we are finally walking the streets of glory, where we do not need the sun or moon or any light, because the Lamb of God, Jesus, will illuminate the entire place!
Our lives can be just like that now. We may be a plain-jane person, lacking in glitter or glamor, but when we spend time in the presence of the Lamb, He will illuminate through us, until our very presence in a room brings others in contact with His light. No matter how busy your schedule, don't neglect time with God.
And when someone asks, what's different about that girl, that guy? Just tell them that sparkle in your spirit is Jesus glitter.
Won't that be a breath-taking day? When we are finally walking the streets of glory, where we do not need the sun or moon or any light, because the Lamb of God, Jesus, will illuminate the entire place!
Our lives can be just like that now. We may be a plain-jane person, lacking in glitter or glamor, but when we spend time in the presence of the Lamb, He will illuminate through us, until our very presence in a room brings others in contact with His light. No matter how busy your schedule, don't neglect time with God.
And when someone asks, what's different about that girl, that guy? Just tell them that sparkle in your spirit is Jesus glitter.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Necessary Change
"For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law" ~Heb 7:12:~
Sometimes change is necessary. And with change, we have to grow and learn to adapt. Sometimes, God allows change to occur as His way to protect us from something much worse down the road if we stayed on our current path. We may never know all He has spared us from.
If you are staring in the face of some life-altering decisions, don't be afraid! Don't back down, don't shy away. Take a good deep breath, focus on what is right before you, and ask God to open your mind to this. Ask God to show you one step at a time each move to make, each way to prepare for all that is about to take place. When you reach the other side, when you arrive at your assigned destination, you will be amazed how much you learned, how you grew, how you accomplished things through Christ that you could never have even faced alone.
Be up for the challenge! God knows you can do this, believe in yourself! Enjoy your journey!
"For the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God" ~Heb 7:19~
Sometimes change is necessary. And with change, we have to grow and learn to adapt. Sometimes, God allows change to occur as His way to protect us from something much worse down the road if we stayed on our current path. We may never know all He has spared us from.
If you are staring in the face of some life-altering decisions, don't be afraid! Don't back down, don't shy away. Take a good deep breath, focus on what is right before you, and ask God to open your mind to this. Ask God to show you one step at a time each move to make, each way to prepare for all that is about to take place. When you reach the other side, when you arrive at your assigned destination, you will be amazed how much you learned, how you grew, how you accomplished things through Christ that you could never have even faced alone.
Be up for the challenge! God knows you can do this, believe in yourself! Enjoy your journey!
"For the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God" ~Heb 7:19~
Friday, November 13, 2009
No Orphans
"Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him"
~John 14:23~
It's just been one of those kind of weeks! A week full of challenges as a mom, and changes on my job as a nurse. The limits of my frail human abilities have been painfully obvious. My mind battled to be everything to everybody, fix everything, have all the answers, and to do it all with a smile and a perfectly positive attitude...you can imagine how far that got me! No where, in my own strength.
But praise God, I don't have to do it alone! I don't have to rely on my own strength. I have Him.
I have been given blessings overflowing right in the midst of stress. Our needs are met, and many of our wants. I have beloved friends, companions, co-workers, & a church family that love me (there for constant advice!). I have 5 amazing kids I adore raising...my 5 favorite folks in the world to be with (I wouldn't trade a million bucks for our crazy sports schedules, snuggles in bed, late night movie treats, groceries to feed an army, being the neighborhood kid hang-out, and even for all the homework wars!).
And I'm blessed that along the way, our paths cross with folks who need more Jesus. It's an honor to love on somebody else that, like us, would be orphans & outcasts without Him.
Stay with me, Jesus. Keep making Your home with us, Abba Father.
"I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you" ~John 14:18~
~John 14:23~
It's just been one of those kind of weeks! A week full of challenges as a mom, and changes on my job as a nurse. The limits of my frail human abilities have been painfully obvious. My mind battled to be everything to everybody, fix everything, have all the answers, and to do it all with a smile and a perfectly positive attitude...you can imagine how far that got me! No where, in my own strength.
But praise God, I don't have to do it alone! I don't have to rely on my own strength. I have Him.
I have been given blessings overflowing right in the midst of stress. Our needs are met, and many of our wants. I have beloved friends, companions, co-workers, & a church family that love me (there for constant advice!). I have 5 amazing kids I adore raising...my 5 favorite folks in the world to be with (I wouldn't trade a million bucks for our crazy sports schedules, snuggles in bed, late night movie treats, groceries to feed an army, being the neighborhood kid hang-out, and even for all the homework wars!).
And I'm blessed that along the way, our paths cross with folks who need more Jesus. It's an honor to love on somebody else that, like us, would be orphans & outcasts without Him.
Stay with me, Jesus. Keep making Your home with us, Abba Father.
"I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you" ~John 14:18~
Monday, November 9, 2009
What Has Been& What's to Come
"Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God" ~II Corinth 9:10 & 12~
I love the song "Every Season" by Nicole Nordeman. She describes with such depth & emotion the seasons of our life. When she talks about fall, a time of change, she says: "I will offer thanks for what has been & what's to come."
Did you wake up this morning to find yourself facing change? Change can be good, but it can also be very unsettling. Embrace with thanksgiving what has been in your life. Look back at all the many blessings, prayers answered. See God's hand there, how He crafted open doors for you, and met every need you had. Live in this moment, even full of uncertainty, and rest in the not-knowing. Trust the Savior that loved you enough to die for you, surely loves you enough to hold you safe now. And give thanks for what's to come. He who has supplied seed to the sower, and bread for food, will surely continue to multiply your seeds and fruits to meet your needs in the days ahead. This great service not only meets your needs, but it stirs up thanksgiving in all who watch with wonder at His works!
"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" ~II Corinth 9:15~
I love the song "Every Season" by Nicole Nordeman. She describes with such depth & emotion the seasons of our life. When she talks about fall, a time of change, she says: "I will offer thanks for what has been & what's to come."
Did you wake up this morning to find yourself facing change? Change can be good, but it can also be very unsettling. Embrace with thanksgiving what has been in your life. Look back at all the many blessings, prayers answered. See God's hand there, how He crafted open doors for you, and met every need you had. Live in this moment, even full of uncertainty, and rest in the not-knowing. Trust the Savior that loved you enough to die for you, surely loves you enough to hold you safe now. And give thanks for what's to come. He who has supplied seed to the sower, and bread for food, will surely continue to multiply your seeds and fruits to meet your needs in the days ahead. This great service not only meets your needs, but it stirs up thanksgiving in all who watch with wonder at His works!
"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" ~II Corinth 9:15~
Friday, November 6, 2009
Perfect Love
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love" ~I John 4:18~
Well we girls like to daydream. We love a good sappy love story, where the knight in shining armor rides in on a white horse to gave the girl of his dreams! Aww...makes our heart melt. And, on the other end of the spectrum, we don't usually like scary movies. We don't like to be afraid. We want to feel protected. Guys love the drama and action of a good thriller. They like to imagine their strength in a good battle, or snuggle in close with the gal they love during a scary scene.
Fear is an unwelcome emotion, for man or woman. No matter how strong and independent your personality, there is still a part of us that appreciates security. Whether it's finances, retirement, home ownership, living debt-free, the economy, the government, our health, healthcare, our children's safety, job security, a trusting relationship, or just a settled peace about our spot in life, we all need a place to rest without fear. That place is in Jesus.
He is the only One with power to make the most frightening things in life bearable to face. He is the only One who has any authority over those things you and I can't control. He is the only place peace can be found when you are scared to death. He is the only One that can breathe life into the deadest of situations. He heals. He protects. He opens doors that no human could open. And He closes doors that looked certain to be our final demise. He is God. His love is perfect. No other love we will ever encounter has the perfect ability to cast out all fear. Wow...life without fear. Because He makes all things beautiful in His time. Because He works out all things for the good of those that love Him. Because He is God, and He loves you so much. Walk freely, dear child, no fear!
Well we girls like to daydream. We love a good sappy love story, where the knight in shining armor rides in on a white horse to gave the girl of his dreams! Aww...makes our heart melt. And, on the other end of the spectrum, we don't usually like scary movies. We don't like to be afraid. We want to feel protected. Guys love the drama and action of a good thriller. They like to imagine their strength in a good battle, or snuggle in close with the gal they love during a scary scene.
Fear is an unwelcome emotion, for man or woman. No matter how strong and independent your personality, there is still a part of us that appreciates security. Whether it's finances, retirement, home ownership, living debt-free, the economy, the government, our health, healthcare, our children's safety, job security, a trusting relationship, or just a settled peace about our spot in life, we all need a place to rest without fear. That place is in Jesus.
He is the only One with power to make the most frightening things in life bearable to face. He is the only One who has any authority over those things you and I can't control. He is the only place peace can be found when you are scared to death. He is the only One that can breathe life into the deadest of situations. He heals. He protects. He opens doors that no human could open. And He closes doors that looked certain to be our final demise. He is God. His love is perfect. No other love we will ever encounter has the perfect ability to cast out all fear. Wow...life without fear. Because He makes all things beautiful in His time. Because He works out all things for the good of those that love Him. Because He is God, and He loves you so much. Walk freely, dear child, no fear!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Courage
"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." ~Deut 31:6~
Where has God asked you to go? Where has He asked you to stay? What instructions has God asked you to follow that make no sense at all in human eyes?
There will be moments that you are sure, when your spirit just knows it's His voice leading. Then there will be other moments that the enemy will invade your thoughts, you won't feel sure of any thing, you will feel foolish, alone & fear will almost overtake you. Be strong in these moments! Be of good courage! The Lord YOUR God...He is The One that goes with you. You are not alone, whether you're standing still trusting Him to move, or moving to follow Him...just obey. He will not leave you. He will not forsake you.
God has promised an inheritance to each of us. For some of us, it's a chance to find love again and rebuild a family. For some, it's strength to lead and carry a family alone. For one, it's healing from disease. For another it's home to heaven for a grand eternal healing. Whether your promised inheritance is forgiveness, deliverance from finances, from addictions, from bitterness...whatever you stand in need of, God has the answer. He has a promised inheritance for you.
Sometimes God asks us to walk with someone & help them find their promised land. Be strong for that person when they can't stand alone! Be courageous when they can't find the courage to keep going! Be someone's Joshua. Be the one that causes them to inherit it.
"Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, 'Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them in inherit it"
~Deut 31:7~
Where has God asked you to go? Where has He asked you to stay? What instructions has God asked you to follow that make no sense at all in human eyes?
There will be moments that you are sure, when your spirit just knows it's His voice leading. Then there will be other moments that the enemy will invade your thoughts, you won't feel sure of any thing, you will feel foolish, alone & fear will almost overtake you. Be strong in these moments! Be of good courage! The Lord YOUR God...He is The One that goes with you. You are not alone, whether you're standing still trusting Him to move, or moving to follow Him...just obey. He will not leave you. He will not forsake you.
God has promised an inheritance to each of us. For some of us, it's a chance to find love again and rebuild a family. For some, it's strength to lead and carry a family alone. For one, it's healing from disease. For another it's home to heaven for a grand eternal healing. Whether your promised inheritance is forgiveness, deliverance from finances, from addictions, from bitterness...whatever you stand in need of, God has the answer. He has a promised inheritance for you.
Sometimes God asks us to walk with someone & help them find their promised land. Be strong for that person when they can't stand alone! Be courageous when they can't find the courage to keep going! Be someone's Joshua. Be the one that causes them to inherit it.
"Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, 'Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them in inherit it"
~Deut 31:7~
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Comfort a Friend
"Then Job answered and said: 'I have have heard many such things; miserable comforters are you all! Shall words of the wind have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer? I also could speak as you do, if your soul were in my soul's place. I could heap up words against you,and shake my head at you; but I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the comfort of my lips would relieve your grief" ~Job 16:1-5~
The power of our words! Job was really suffering. He had lost everything. And now, even his friends begin to find fault with him, looking for a way to blame him for all that has happened. How heavy a burden to feel guilt for your children's death, or for other great losses.
Not all suffering is the result of someone's sin. Yet sometimes we as humans make really bad choices, and suffering does result from the consequences. But either way, you and I can bring comfort and encouragement into the life of a hurting soul.
Job reminds us to consider, "if your soul was in my soul's place..." What words would we long to hear? What words would we crave to feed our soul with just a little peace? A little relief of our grief? You and I can direct others to Christ in their time of need. We can pray. We can share a verse of hope. We can speak a verse of restoration into a destroyed life. It is not our job to bring conviction, as judge and jury. That is the Holy Spirit's job. We are to be a light house, allowing God's love to shine through our every word and every action, drawing weary wandering people that have lost their way safely home. Help others find strength in Christ to rebuild beyond the pain.
The power of our words! Job was really suffering. He had lost everything. And now, even his friends begin to find fault with him, looking for a way to blame him for all that has happened. How heavy a burden to feel guilt for your children's death, or for other great losses.
Not all suffering is the result of someone's sin. Yet sometimes we as humans make really bad choices, and suffering does result from the consequences. But either way, you and I can bring comfort and encouragement into the life of a hurting soul.
Job reminds us to consider, "if your soul was in my soul's place..." What words would we long to hear? What words would we crave to feed our soul with just a little peace? A little relief of our grief? You and I can direct others to Christ in their time of need. We can pray. We can share a verse of hope. We can speak a verse of restoration into a destroyed life. It is not our job to bring conviction, as judge and jury. That is the Holy Spirit's job. We are to be a light house, allowing God's love to shine through our every word and every action, drawing weary wandering people that have lost their way safely home. Help others find strength in Christ to rebuild beyond the pain.
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