Life has a way of testing us, tying us up in knots and challenging our faith. We come up against countless battles in our everyday lives. Words are hurled in our direction like fiery darts; circumstances occur that take our breath away and cause us to question our beliefs. When insults and accusations are spewed at us, we want to strike back, we want to retaliate with like insults and say what's burning on our tongues in that moment. It's only through our faith and the Holy Spirit within us that can prevent us from reacting in this way. We need to ask ourselves in those tough moments, “What would Jesus say or do?”, “What would I do if Jesus were physically standing next to me right now?” Sometimes these thoughts can change … [Read more...]
Each Day We Are Given Choices
We can't allow any obstacle we face to overshadow our Lord or what He wants for us. It is said that what we focus on becomes our focus. I personally have had a lot of experience testing this truth out. When our focus is on Jesus and His truths it is impossible to also be focused on any negativity. The Lord and His biblical truths are the nourishment we need to feed ourselves daily. I know when I'm craving Him and His word and desire to spend time with Him, any stronghold I'm facing will lose its tight grip. All the details of the day, all of my woes, become insignificant when I am looking upon the glory of the Lord. I know we have all faced some dire circumstances, or have been confronted with heart wrenching news at some point in … [Read more...]
Chaos Has Become Our Normal
Chaos has sadly become our new normal. When we have times of quiet and solitude we often feel uncomfortable with it. It feels foreign to us. We tell ourselves, "I need to be doing SOMETHING!" This is because it doesn't feel natural to just be in the moment, because we are so used to rushing around, running here and there with our endless "to-do" lists. I think the chaos absorbs our lives and minds so much that it becomes a part of us. We identify being busy with accomplishing things which then allows us to feel accomplished as individuals. It's as though we are somehow better, or that we then matter, because we knocked off a huge "to-do" list. This has become the mind set of many of us. I've found myself bragging about all the details … [Read more...]
Dear Jesus by Sarah Young
Taste and see that I am good. The more intimately you experience Me, the more convinced you become of My goodness. Dear Jesus, I have been taught since early childhood that You are good. However, that teaching did not change me significantly. Eventually I became a Christian, and I tasted Your goodness briefly. Yet I still did not know You very deeply. As a result, when things went badly in my life, I tended to resent Your ways with me. Only when I began investing time in seeking Your Face did I start to know You intimately. Now that I have tasted Your goodness, I want to experience more and more of You. Beloved, your desire to know Me more fully is a delight to My heart. Actually, I have been pursuing you for quite some time. Long … [Read more...]
Protection
DO NOT FEAR, FOR I --YOUR GOD--AM WITH YOU. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Let these words enfold you like a warm blanket, sheltering you from the coldness of fear and dismay. When trouble seems to be stalking you, grip My hand tightly and stay in communication with Me. You can trust and not be afraid, for I am your Strength and Song. My powerful Presence is with you at all times; you face nothing alone. Moreover, I have promised to strengthen you and help you. Awareness of these truths can fill you with Joy and Peace. My righteous right hand holds you up in both good times and bad. When things are flowing smoothly in your life, you may be unaware of My sustaining Presence. Should I cease to support you, though, you … [Read more...]