I've been praying for something for a while. I truly try to dig in deeper when worry or doubt threaten to overtake. Then the other day, I received words from someone who was in a position to help move things along. Nothing has *actually* changed. My prayer still hasn't been answered, however all of a sudden I haven't been as hyper-focused on it.
After doing my Scripture Study/Praying this morning...I was filled with this thought, "Why was I so eager to trust the word of man over the things The LORD has already put on my heart regarding this situation? Why was I continually picking up the burden? Why did I let someone's words speak stronger to my heart than GOD'S Word?
Today I'm thankful for reminders of areas I still need growth in...Faith, Trust, and Patience. I want to wait on JESUS, constantly believing in *HIS* Word over *every area* of my life and my family's no matter how things appear in the moment. I want to be so strong in my trust that no matter how long I have to wait, no matter what others may say or not say, no matter the outcome (prayers answered specifically to my request or not answered at all) I'll know that The LORD'S Hand was on it/in it/around it/through it, and it's *exactly* how it's *supposed* to be.
Friends, join me in praying for increased Trust and Faith in The LORD in the midst of it all. May *HIS* Word bring Truth and Light to every area of your life.
"Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”~John 4:13-14
Do you see the heart formed by the shadows of the leaves on the water?
I tried to hold them in. I struggled to put on my~everything's fine, no problems, no worries, just fine~face. But the moisture filled. The lids spilled. I'm not a crier. I've always tried to be tough. In my mind the only thing crying accomplishes is making me feel worse, weak, emotionally unstable. Hold it together. You can do this. Things will get better. Truth is, sometimes, the problems mount up. Problems that seem unending. Issues that seem impossible. I'm in the dark tunnel; walking, jogging, running...trying to see the light. I get tired. I busy myself in mindless things. I try not to look at it. But it's there. It's big; looming above, in front, beside and behind. There's no escaping it. Not tears, not tasks, not the fake smile. No...it's right here. So what do I do? I need help. I open my notebook. I read. It's my safe place, this $1.00 notebook. I hide my heart treasures within its covers; words, prayers, answered prayers, Scripture verses...they're all there. Words...some shared on this blog, others~things God has whispered to my soul during quiet time with Him. It's priceless. The first letters pop~"Faith Walk" This is no accident...no coincidence. The Scripture I wrote down months ago: "Jesus answered, “Neither hath this man sinned nor his parents, but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." John 9:3 I continued to read...my writing about faith. It was before this trial, perhaps during another one...this life, full of them. Faith writing, faith in trials, faith in impossible: "Trials push us beyond our own strength. It asks us to look to God when we cannot bare the burden and weight. We are deceived in thinking we're sufficient in ourselves. We need to recognize our deficiency and seek Jesus' sufficiency DAILY, asking, "What would Jesus do in our situation?" He is our example. He always spent time with His Father. During His greatest trials, in the garden of Gethsemane, in heading to the Cross, He went and spent time alone, praying. The faith, trust, strength and endurance needed from God. He knew what was ahead. Jesus sat with His Father, it is there that He was filled. I need filling. I need to be held. I need to know that this will work out for His good and perfect will. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 So I make a choice. I choose to sit and spend time with the Lord. I choose to be still. I find all things that I need for this moment, this day, right here with God.
"And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 HIS GRACE is sufficient for me. HIS STRENGTH is made perfect in weakness. Thank you Lord!
I'm preparing, training, working towards an upcoming goal. This is not going to be easy and I need to be ready for the big hike (Mt. Timpanogos.) The steep elevation and lack of oxygen is something that I worry about. I've had altitude sickness before which put me in bed for a week with severe flu-like symptoms. Now that I'm aware of it, I know what I need to do to prepare. I'm not only training my muscles and doing cardio, (lifting weights, riding my bike, stair stepper and yoga), I'm also hydrating. I'm ready to counteract the lack of oxygen this, sea-level living girl, normally receives. I'm also allowing several days of acclimation adjustment before embarking on this memorial hike to honor my dad.
The key to any journey in life is preparation. Being ready for the expected as well as the unexpected (as much as possible) that which "may" or "could" happen. If my body is in tip top shape when the unexpected arises, I will be strong enough to endure it.
Your daily life requires preparation for the trials and tragedies that may come upon you. This however requires a different type of training. You will need to train your mind and spirit. It requires seeking your Creator. The One who knows the obstacles on your road, "before" they come upon you. Building your faith and trust in The Lord through prayer, daily scripture study and quiet time. Spending time with Jesus allows you to grow stronger inside, as He reveals truth and hope right there in the middle of the storm. A peace found in nothing else. Daily spiritual training sets captives free. The Lord renews strength when you feel unable to go on. He lifts you up. He puts your feet back on solid ground. A beacon of light shining brightly in the darkness.
Don't go through this life unprepared; hopeless, lost or alone. Seek a "relationship" with Jesus Christ and allow Him to be your life guide. Your trainer. Your hope. Your Savior.
"To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27
"For bodily exercise
profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having
promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." 1 Timothy 4:8
Do you remember working on puzzles when you were younger or perhaps
you still work on them? Each piece with its curved shapes and angles needed to be
placed in exactly the right spot and position to complete the puzzle. This
process can take days, weeks & even months depending on the size, number of pieces
and difficulty of the puzzle. I generally liked puzzles that were not too
difficult but challenging enough to keep my interest without frustrating me.
I’d place a certain one down and then realize there was no way it would work
because the shape of the other pieces could not fit or be squeezed into it. The
best part of puzzling was being able to make a mistake and knowing I’d
be able to fix it and eventually get it right. I became excited as each
misshapen piece began to take form, slowly revealing the entire beautiful
picture that had been hidden when all the pieces were piled on top of each
other inside the box. It was a delight to know that each and every piece had a
purpose, a spot, a place it belonged...eventually becoming what it was supposed
to be.
Life is like a puzzle. Each piece of your life has a purpose.
Some pieces may not fit right at first...circumstances, bad decisions and
choices you’ve made seemed to have misshapen your hopes, goals and dreams. Your
perfect life picture is no longer visible. Things seem to be scattered. But
that’s the beauty of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. You can start over. You can
have everything put perfectly back together. Yes I do mean EVERYTHING. A
relationship with Christ takes all of your misshapen pieces of life and puts
them together piece by piece, day by day, month by month and year by year.
Until one day, you begin to see what the Lord has for you. A perfect picture of
a life once in shambles, put back together again. A beautiful portrait waiting
to finally take form through Christ’s loving, forgiving, sacrifice of eternal
love for you.
Don’t let go of your hope. Your puzzle is still a work in progress.
God’s given you a very difficult one because He knows that with His help, ALL
THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. He has a good and perfect plan for your life. Each day is
being carefully placed into the exact spot it needs to be to create the final picture. Enjoy today’s puzzle knowing
that it fits perfectly into God’s plan for you!
"We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction..."
1 Thessalonians 1:3-5
"My son, do not forget my teaching,but keep my commands in your heart,for they will prolong your life many yearsand bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you;bind them around your neck,write them on the tablet of your heart.Then you will win favor and a good namein the sight of God and man.Trust in the Lord with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him,and he will make your paths straight."
Proverbs 3:1-6
"Pay
attention and listen to the sayings of the wise; apply your heart to
what I teach, for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and
have all of them ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the
Lord, I teach you today, even you."
Do you ever think back to that little child inside of you? The days when you had no cares. The days were long, filled with neighborhood games; street ball, hide-n-seek, catching butterflies, frogs and lizards. The endless hours spent at the lake or beach...swimming and enjoying each day.
I often long for the days when I was carefree, pain free and took the time to enjoy each and every moment of the day. At what point did I lose my child-like joy?
At what age did you leave that happy, sweet child behind and become a busy, worried, stressed out adult? When did you stop finding joy in the simple pleasures of life? You somehow lost your inner child to responsibility, over-commitment, work and daily life struggles. But your Heavenly Father still sees you as a child. He wants you to have child-like joy and trust. The burdens you carry are to be given to Him each and every morning, continually laying them at His feet throughout the day.
You are not meant to do this alone. He is your Father. He expects and wants you to lean on Him, look to Him and ask Him for help so you can look at your day through His eyes. Even with all of your responsibilities, He can still fill you with child-like joy and a peace beyond understanding. The Lord's view is full of wisdom and love. There is nothing you face or come up against that is too hard, impossible or beyond God's ability to help you. Go to Him in prayer today as His little child. Ask to see situations in your life through His eyes and not your own. He will take you, His child, into His loving, caring embrace, which surpasses all understanding and show you how to have child-like faith, peace and joy again. Trust your Father in Heaven...HE LOVES YOU!
“How you have helped the powerless! How you have saved the arm that is feeble! What advice you have offered to one without wisdom!And what great insight you have displayed!" Job 26:2-3
"Does God listen to their crywhen distress comes upon them? Will they find delight in the Almighty? Will they call on God at all times? I will teach you about the power of God;the ways of the Almighty I will not conceal." Job 27:9-11
" The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." Psalm 9:9
"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them.And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:1-4
It was a normal Monday morning after Easter. I rushed out the door for work and while driving along Pacific Coast Highway, I felt a tinge of envy. Everyone was out jogging, riding their bikes, walking in wetsuits, board in hand heading out for a surf session. Several women where pushing their babies in strollers...it was a perfect spring day in Orange County, CA; which usually means...beach day.
I crossed over the ocean bridge, gazing out...glistening white sails speckling the bay. It was too nice of a day to be in an office for eight hours. I quickly pushed aside the negative thoughts and remembered to give thanks to the Lord for my job and living in a beautiful city. I may not be able to do everything I'd like to all the time, but I can remember to remain thankful for the blessings I've received from the Lord each day. I've been working on this a lot; removing envy/negativity and replacing it with thankfulness. The Lord has blessed my life in ways that I never expected or deserve.
Once at work I settled at my desk, prepared to spend the next eight hours doing my job. After an hour, one of my bosses said his brother was sick and wouldn't be in, (I do most of the work for him.) He told me I could go home since there wasn't anything for me to do.
My first though was, "I'm going to the beach...YES!"
As I sat in front of the crashing waves, seals playing in the water, pelicans dive bombing into the ocean for food and swarms of small birds flying in front of me at the oceans edge; I'm once again giving thanks for the unexpected changes in my day.
Remember to thank the Lord each day for blessings, both big and small. He is watching over you and blesses you for your gratitude to Him.
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts wit praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Psalm 100:4
"While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Luke 24:36
"Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare." Psalm 40:5
"I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8
I walked around, hoping the nagging feeling would disappear. I called my husband, "So what do you think? Should I do it?" He wasn't going to give me the answer I wanted, he just said, "It's your decision. If you feel good about it, do it." My head was screaming, "NO...I want you to say yes, go ahead...it'll be fine." But what I said was, "C'mon, tell me what I should do, is it okay?"
Nope, nothing. He said I had to decide and I already knew how he felt about it. GREAT! I wandered around the store for another hour, walking by the item, walking away from the item, by it, away from it...waiting to feel good about it. While, "No, don't do it," played like a broken record in my mind.
I spent time justifying why it was okay to purchase it. If the item was for me, I wouldn't have any problem walking away (I don't feel the need to buy myself things very often & am fine going without the extras.) But this was for my son. It was a birthday present he's wanted for years. Truth be told, it's a Christmas/Birthday present he's been asking for; for the past 5years. But we never have an extra $300.00 for a PS3. I wanted to get it for him, so badly, but knew it would put us in a hole. Finally, unable to rid myself of that "feeling" as I circled around one last time, there it was again...I tried to push it away, only to continue to feel increasingly uneasy in my stomach. That was it...I walked out of the store. I didn't have a peace about it and I've definitely learned the importance of listening to the promptings of the Lord; even in the little everyday things like whether to buy something or not. It took some time to get through my own rationalization process and actually make the right decision, but once out of the store, my peace returned.
Today, if you feel the Lord prompting you to walk away from temptation, purchases, a lifestyle, certain decisions, addictions...LISTEN. He has a good and perfect plan for you. Listening to the Holy Spirit's guidance is not only wise, but will save you from future detrimental consequences. Be willing to deny yourself momentary pleasure to find true, lasting, pure happiness. Pray in all things, all decisions and all areas of your life. Let the Lord guide you into all truth...His Wisdom! In doing so, you'll find a Peace like you've never known before. Don't continue to ignore His promptings. God wants the best for you and is trying to guide you in the right direction. Yes, even the little areas!
"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."
Jeremiah 33:3
"Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love."
2 John 1:3
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
Proverbs 3:5
"Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?"
1 Corinthians 3:16
"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."
Have you ever wanted something and then prayed about it? You waited for God's will...only to have Him close the door while you continued to pound on it? I used to do this constantly. I prayed and ended with, "...but your will be done God." Deep down, I only wanted His will if it was directly aligned with my will. I could come up with all kinds of reasons why I deserved to be blessed with this or that. But God often had other plans, plans that were completely opposite of my well thought out, perfectly organized and rationalized plans. I often wondered, "Where are you God when I truly need you? Why couldn't you give me this one thing? So and so has it. Wha, Wha, Wha,...Me, Me, Me...Why, Why, Why...sound familiar? I hope I'm not the only one who lived like this for years. It's normal to want things, to ask God to give you favor. But it's not good to question God's will or motive's behind when, who, or why He decides to bless people or situations. God knows your heart and when you may need growth, a lesson, a little discipline or a blessing...remember, you are his child*"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6God is a loving and just father. We need to remember that HIS PLAN is bigger and better than ours. *"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21
While car shopping this past weekend, we had a BIG hurdle to overcome; a car that we were upside down in (owed a lot more than it was worth.) We prayed about it, asking for God's favor, direction and wisdom. He blessed us with an awesome loan (very low interest rate), but after two full days of frustration on Saturday and Sunday and people trying to get money out of us that we didn't have, we felt discouraged. We began to wonder if maybe we were supposed to just keep our big ol' gas guzzler. But we decided to continue to wait on God.
While sitting and talking Sunday evening, exhausted and not really knowing what to do, it hit me. It came out of nowhere, the realization of GROWTH! In the past, we would have done whatever it took to get a car, (like writing a post dated check for the $$ amount for a down payment with money we didn't have.) Which would only put us in trouble later on...(aka beating down the closed door.) But this time, we waited, even if it meant we couldn't have what we wanted (a new, economical car.) *"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." Proverbs 21:5We've grown, we finally understand the importance of being in GOD'S WILL and knowing, HE KNOWS BEST. He sees the BIG picture.
On Monday morning, my husband called me and said the people at the credit union had worked some things out for us to lower the balance on our car. So we headed out to look again, with the knowledge that "a door had just opened." We pulled into a local dealership, after talking to a friend of a friend who knew the General Manager (yet another opening.) We were introduced to him and given the VIP treatment. They worked everything out, no problems whatsoever. They even brought a car up for me from their storage lot with a blue tooth built in. It wasn't something that I thought I could afford (the extra's) as the money we had only allowed forthe bare minimum model. But once again, the door had flung wide open with complete ease! We drove off in our brand new car...excited about the extra's thrown in. We were completely blessed by God's favor over the entire transaction!
This is an example of God answering the way we had hoped. We'd gotten to a place on Sunday evening where we were ready to just keep our old car. We had grown in our trust and faithfulness. *"All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart." Proverbs 21:2 It's been a LONG road, but each step of faith has taught us to know that there is no place more safe, peaceful and comforting than being in GOD'S WILL, even if it goes against yours.
Today if you are facing a situation that has you battling; your will vs. God's will, stop and pray, open up your scriptures and WAIT ON THE LORD. Seek Him throughout the day and ask for HIS WISDOM and guidance in all areas of your life. Be open to walk away from the closed doors and through the open ones. God has a good and perfect plan for your life...and sometimes it may not include all the things you had planned.Stop beating on the closed doors (your will) and walk through the open doors (God's Will.) Let Go & Let God! *"A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?" Proverbs 20:24
Blessed w/my new car when I put GOD in the driver's seat!
"Does God listen to his cry when distress comes upon him? Will he find delight in the Almighty? Will he call upon God at all times? I will teach you about the power of God; the ways of the Almighty I will not conceal. You have all seen this yourselves. Why then this meaningless talk?" Job 27:9-12
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10
"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." Isaiah 55:8-9
Years ago on a trip to Utah, our van, carrying a car full of our 6 young kids, broke down heading up the Cajon pass. It was summertime and 100+ degrees in the Mojave Desert. We were in the middle of nowhere. We were stuck. The sun continued to beat down on us, the kids were scared, thirsty, hot and tired, as we sat alone in the desert wondering, "What now?" We waited to get towed to the nearest station who informed us our transmission was shot. With nothing left to do, we decided to try and inch our way along as it smoked, grinded and died several times. It had to be about 130 degrees in the van as I looked back at my crying kids, their faces like bright red tomatoes, leaking faucet drops of sweat dripping onto their clothes.
We pulled into a car dealership just down the road, hoping that we could get another van big enough to hold all 8 of us. However, we had several issues to face; we had no money in our checking account and were already living on a tight, paycheck to paycheck budget, barely making it. After talking to someone for an hour, he informed us there was nothing he could do to help us. We headed back to our broken down sweat box and sat with all the doors & windows open trying to survive the heat. The kids were all crying, I too began to cry..."What are we going to do?" About 15 minutes passed by and a manager came up to the van and said, "I want to help you; we're going to figure out a way to make this work." Two hours later, with some tricky financing, we were back on the road in our brand new white Astro van; air conditioner blaring, kids sleeping and an overwhelming flood of gratitude and relief filling my soul.
Sometimes in life, you get, "stuck in the desert," (unforeseen circumstances, illness, or necessary change that needs to happen.) Sometimes you may consciously run into the desert, (fear, poor choices, issues you refuse to face, addictions.) The desert is a scary, lonely, isolated place to be. Some of the greatest Prophets ran into the wilderness (desert) when they were afraid. Elijah ran for his life even after God enabled him to perform incredible miracles. He hid in a cave in the wilderness. But God came and asked him what he was doing & sent him back. He had an important plan for Elijah's life and it didn't include hiding (Read 1 Kings Ch 19.) Moses killed an Egyptian soldier who was beating a slave & ran for his life into the wilderness (desert). God came to him and sent him back to free the slaves. He had a monumental task in front of him, which required trust, not fear. (Read Exodus Ch 2- Ch 3)
When you get trapped in the desert, you need to remember that no matter where you go, God is with you. He wants you to draw near to Him. He will rescue you. If you've been in the desert lately, pray and ask God to help you. He wants to bring you to a place of peace, comfort and trust that can only be found through His Son, Jesus Christ. Put your Faith in Him and you will be set free. God has an important plan for your life. Seek Him today!
When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." The Lord said to him, "Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus." (1 Kings 19:13-15)
"When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from the Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well." (Exodus 2:15) "When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am." (Exodus 3:4) "And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." (Exodus 3:9-10) But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain. (Exodus 3:11-12)
I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice. (Ezekiel 34:16)
Jesus declared, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshiper’s will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." (John 4:23-24)
We climbed the tough hill, pushing a wheelchair of a dear lady, who wanted to take part in this extraordinary event, after the passing of her daughter the prior year. Looking behind us, the view of white and pink speckled the ground. The unusual covering, representing struggle, heartache, hope, strength, determination, unity and Love. Men, women and children all walking for a cure for cancer.
The scene, reminded me of God's never ending Love for each of us. No matter what we're going through, He is walking up each hill, carrying us through our struggles, diseases, pain and heartaches. Speckling our aching, hurting hearts with an amazing covering of unexplained hope, strength, determination, unity and Love. Giving us a Savior, Jesus Christ, to forgive our past mistakes and show us His Restoring, Healing Power! He is for us...He is our support...He is our Savior...He is our cure...He is our everything!
Stop running from Him and RUN TO HIM! Let Him set your feet on solid ground. OH...HOW HE LOVES US!
"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." Hebrews 2:1
"But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the Lord's hand, and my reward is with my God." Isaiah 49:4
"For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth." Psalm 57:10-11
"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God." Psalm 59:16-17
Australia is home to one of the largest Great White Shark populations. Because of this, since the 1930's they have maintained Safety Nets around crowded beaches to keep the predators out. Unfortunately, in doing so, several hundreds of thousands of dolphins, seals and whales get trapped in them and die. AND they are finding several sharks trapped along the beach side of the nets.
What's your safety net? We all have them. You can use people, drugs, alcohol, etc, as your net. Something you run to in difficult or scary situations.
I personally kept an invisible wall around me as my Safety Net. Only allowing people to get right up to it, but never inside. It'd take years for someone to prove they wouldn't hurt me before I'd open the door. I'd also use people as a net. My friend April is outgoing, fun, loud & doesn't know a stranger. She's always the life of the party and all eyes are usually on her. I'd avoid going places if I didn't know very many people unless she was there as my comfortable, ice-breaking, reliable Safety Net.
Like the Great White Shark Safety Nets, Our Nets can have harmful and deceptive side effects, too.
My "wall" isolated me from others. Relying on my friend kept me from facing fearful/uncomfortable situations and growing as a person. People who rely on drugs and alcohol eventually get tangled up and lost in the very thing they run to for comfort. What we don't realize is our true protection is just a Prayer away. God wants to step into your life and situation. He wants to heal the wounds. He gave His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice. You don't need to run and hide behind life's nets.
Whether you believe right now or not, you've tried everything else, now try Praying. Allow God to move in your life. LET GO and reach for HIS OUTSTRETCHED HAND. LET HIM keep you from drowning in your TANGLED, DECEIVING, SAFETY NETS OF LIFE.
"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Colossians 2:2-3
"Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Colossians 4:2
"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
The Lord wants us to let go & trust that HE is able to do ALL things:
"I am in control! I created the Heavens & earth, the wind, ocean and sky, my word will not return to Me void. This battle is not yours, but Mine. Surrender it completely over to Me and watch My work fulfilled to its completeness. I am in control! Let go of the firm grasp you have over the situation. Release it into My Strong, Capable Hands.
I am willing, are you?
My work is not yet complete, don't interfere with what I am doing. Step aside and walk behind Me, not in front of Me. I'm clearing a path. A road which is rarely taken, the road of Trust, knowing that I AM GOD. Your help comes from Me as I shine my light upon every situation. YOU ARE NOT ALONE, FOR I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS!"
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7
Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge; for it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips, So that your trust may be in the Lord; I have instructed you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, that I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth. That you may answer words of truth to those who send to you?" Proverbs 22:17-21
"Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him." Proverbs 30:5 "A man's steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way?" Proverbs 20:24
"He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." Colossians 1:13-14
Our Heavenly Father knows how much we struggle with fear. It is consuming, overwhelming & stifling. Fear has a way of grasping hold of you & dragging you down until it's grip pulls so tightly you feel as if you're drowning, sucked deeper & deeper into the dark abyss. Trying desperately to swim to the top for air, but never finding enough fortitude & determination to push yourself to the surface.
It's in those times, when our strength & courage has diminished, the Lord is waiting for us to call HIM. HE DOESN'T WANT OR EXPECT US TO DO IT ALONE. He only asks that we SEEK HIM & HIS STRENGTH.
Fear is a tool of the enemy. He tries to shut us down, hold us back & keep us stagnate. He uses fear to manipulate our thoughts and eventually our actions. Do any of these sound familiar?
1. "I can't do it?" 2. "I'm not smart enough?" 3. "I always ruin everything!" 4. "What's the use, it wont ever change." 5. "No one really likes or truly cares about me!" 6. "I've made too many mistakes & bad choices in my life." 7. "I don't deserve better." 8. "Who would ever love me?"
The list of negative, self defeating thoughts can become endless, filling us with fear, controlling us. But the Lord wants to change those thoughts. He wants to heal all the lies, hurt & brokenness that the enemy has used to sway you for years.
As you pray, ask the Lord to teach you how to replace those self damaging thoughts. When destructive words pop into your head, replace them & SPEAK THE LORDS TRUE & LOVING WORDS. Start hearing and saying the things that your Heavenly Father thinks about you:
1. "YOU CAN DO ANYTHING THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS YOU."
2. "YOU ARE MY SMART & AMAZING CREATION, CREATED IN MY IMAGE."
3. "YOU HAVE NOT RUINED ANYTHING, I AM THE AUTHOR & CREATOR OF ALL."
4. "YOU CAN FIND CHANGE IN ME."
5. "YOU ARE LOVED! MY LOVE FOR YOU SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING."
6. "YOUR MISTAKES CAN BE FORGIVEN."
7. "I GAVE YOU MY ONLY BEGOTTEN, JESUS CHRIST, A SACRIFICE FOR YOUR SIN."
8. "YOU DESERVE MY LOVE, TAKE THE GIFT WHICH I FREELY GIVE TO YOU."
My love for you reaches higher than the mountains and stretches wider and deeper than the sea. Take the love that I offer. My love will set you free. BELIEVE,"BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD."
Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal."
I recently heard a disturbing story while looking for a childhood friend/neighbor. I found out he'd done very well for himself. He owned his own company, obtained all the luxuries, status and financial stability that we all seek. He had a wonderful family, a wife, beautiful teenage triplet daughters, and two grown sons.
Suddenly, when the stock market crashed two years ago, his money and dreams fell with it. He lost it all. In his despair, he ended his life.
Another lost life over meaningless, worldly treasure. His possessions and status defined him.
How much is his life worth, hundreds and thousands of dollars...millions? Can any amount of money replace the loss of a husband, father, son or friend?
The Bible says, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21
What are you chasing after each day? What have you put in front of your relationship with the Lord?
My friend lost sight of who he was in Christ? He lost sight of his true worth and value. His priorities were taken over by the worlds definition of value; a shallow, lonely pit of lies and deceit. Yes, we all need to live and provide for our families, but when an abundance of money, or lack of it consumes your thoughts, it's time to re-assess your priorities.
I want to remind each one of you to spend the necessary time allowing the Lord to fill your emptiness through a relationship with Him. Put on the full armor of God each morning. Don't lose your way through worldly deception.
Seek, rely on, put your faith, hope, trust and dreams in the one who is able to supply ALL your needs no matter what the circumstances appear to be.
What is the true value of your life?
YOU ARE PRICELESS!
He says to you each day, "BE STILL and KNOW that I AM GOD." Psalms 46:10
"BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!"
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:13-19
I sometimes think that when things continue to go bad in my life, the lesson I haven't learned is to let go. I'm not able to control everything, I need to turn it entirely over to Heavenly Father. Yes, easier said than done I KNOW! But I've learned to read the scriptures every morning before I start my day (there is incredible power in His word) and pray throughout the day when I become overwhelmed.
I think of how Paul was able to sing praises to God while he was locked in prison, beaten, tortured and still find the peace to sing in the midst of it.
How Daniel, a faithful servant, would not stop praying to God even though he knew he could be killed, he prayed boldly, with the windows open for all to see. He was thrown into a lions den, never worrying or doubting, just praying with continued faith in the midst of his supposed imminent death. He was saved through his unwavering faith and trust.
Job, a faithful man, who was stripped of his wealth, homeless and riddled with sores and wounds, was told by his friends and wife to curse God and die, but he refused. He continued on in faith and trust knowing that it was for a purpose in which he didn't understand. He was eventually blessed beyond his wildest dreams.
God's own son, our Savior Jesus Christ, bled from every pore and suffered and died on the cross for our sins, shouting out in his darkest hour, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Ultimately saving each and every one of us through the power of His sacrifice.
God could have stopped each of these events, but every situation was for a purpose, a purpose beyond our comprehension. We can now read these historical stories in the Bible and see why they happened. We have these past examples to help us get through our difficulties. It serves as a reminder to constantly pray, read the scriptures, and lean on the Lord in our darkest hours, for He alone can ease our pain & suffering, bringing us to a place where we can even sing His praises in the midst of our trials.
Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. Hebrews 4:1-2
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case - things that accompany salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Hebrews 6:9-12
During a recent rain storm, I was on the freeway and switched lanes as my exit approached. My tail end started to hydroplane. I tried to correct it four times, finally my car slid completely sideways, hitting the side of the embankment at 55 mph. My first thought was, "Oh no, I'm going to roll over. This is how it happens, one day you're driving to work and the next minute you're gone."
That morning, before I left for work, I prayed for a hedge of protection around each of my family members, but I forgot to pray for myself.
Now I was headed for certain disaster.
Did that mean that I wasn't protected? Was I still covered by the Lord's grace?
Who is really in charge of my life?
I usually thought thatIwas & carried my burdens in just such a way:
How can I fix this situation? What can I do to change things? I can't fix this so I'm going to just give up? I don't know what to do, my problems are too big!
But what that one day taught me, in a very terrifying, yet vivid way, I am not expected to handle things alone. I can't control a sliding car, an illness, a terminal diagnosis, infertility, a wayward child, an out of control spouse, an addiction, whatever it is that's going on that I have been trying to control is beyond my capability.
God never intended for us to head out each day alone. He has given us words of encouragement, prayer for protection, a Savior, Jesus Christ for the atonement of our sins, and the Holy Spirit for wisdom & discernment.
As I hit the hill, my car didn't rollover. I slid up it, spun around & ended up coming safely to a stop half way up the hill. A woman ran down the hill, in the pouring rain, hugged me & told me "God was protecting you today!" Before I headed onto the freeway she told me again, "God is looking out for you," and blew me a kiss.
Remember today, YOU ARE NOT ALONE, GOD IS WITH YOU. Pray & ask for His wisdom & guidance to face whatever is sliding out of control in your life.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ROMANS 8:31-32
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." JOHN 15:1-8
I road my bike to the beach to spend some time writing, seeking a quiet, peaceful place on a 90 degree Monday in late September.
A group of kids came up next to me & sat on their surfboards in front of two instructors. They were learning how to surf today. After some practical instruction on form, they laid on their boards and practiced paddling. Next they were shown the proper way to "pop up" on the board. They continued to do this several times before two boys felt they were ready & left the crowd. The rest of the kids moved to the waters edge to watch. Once they felt confident, they all made their way into the water, the instructor close behind watching out for their safety and continuing to teach them as they put what they learned to the test. Just like life, each day we embark on a new lesson. Some of us feel ready to jump in, while others need more time to prepare.
Whatever pace you're at, your teacher and instructor is right there with you, out in the "water" of life.
Take time in the morning to listen to your "teacher's" words through prayer & daily scripture study. You will then be ready to ride the waves of your day with confidence, knowing that if you wipe out, the Lord is right there with you, instructing and guiding your way through the rough waves of life!
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14
Are you taking the necessary steps to building a relationship with the Lord? Not only limiting yourself to prayer in the morning or evening, but praying throughout the day.
When a decision is needed to be made...
When you're angry...
When you're lost...
When you're scared...
When you're worried...
When you're frustrated...
When your life & your choices no longer make sense... PRAY!
I've discovered that the more I pray, the more opportunity I give the Lord to help me. He knows your needs, but He is waiting for you to stop trying to do it alone and ask for His help. Our days are filled with so many emotions and decisions. Our human nature usually makes decisions based on our feelings. God basis His decisions on complete knowledge of what is best for you.
So does it really make sense to trust your fleeting, passing, whimsical emotions?
Or trust in the Lord, the one person who knows you better than you know yourself?
God sees you!
Not the person you show to the world, but YOU!
Your true heart...
Your soul...
Your true self behind all the walls of protection.
Let God answer your prayers. Pray throughout the day and watch the change in your life as you build a close relationship with your Father in Heaven.
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:4-6
And this is my prayer: that our love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11
