Knocking fear out!

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.~ Philippians 4:13

Hallelujah!  I just have to tell the world how awesome my God is!  He is an on time God who supplies ALL of my needs( Philippians 4:19) Not some, but all.  Nothing is too hard for Him and I am so glad that He stands with me and for me.

Today I faced a battle.  I had to eat scrambled eggs in order for a medical test to be completed.  I don't eat eggs.  They make me nauseated, but it's required. No substitutes allowed.  Sometimes we have to go through a test.  We have to face that storm or challenge.  There is no shortcuts or eats around it, but let me tell you this truth. Our God is faithful.  

I had tried to eat the eggs before and was unsuccessful.  I remember feeling disappointed, but I knew that God had a reason for this too.  Another opportunity presented itself.  I was going to have a second chance.  This time I prepared for the battle.  I began to eat small bites at home.  More importantly, I listened to God when He told me to stop limiting Him.  You see, the first time I asked God for help.  I prayed and asked others to pray for me, but I also fretted.  This time I asked God to only to help me, but to do it for me!   I didn't have to fight the battle.  I just needed to show up.

His word was confirmed over and over again.  Messages of faith were prevalent in devotions and sermons.  He was equipping for this moment. I asked Him to manifest His power in neon this day and He did!  I ate the eggs!  The test is being completed right now!  

From the caring radiologist who scrambled the eggs and offered me the option of apple juice to wash it down to my husband who was my personal cheerleader.  God even had the right song ministering to my spirit saying that “He did not create me to worry, but worship.”  I left all with Him and He knocked fear flat out the ring.  To God be the glory!  

Father I thank you for overcoming the issues in my life both small and great. I love you Lord.  May you always be praised. In Jesus name. Amen

Come with me

40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). ~John 1:40-42

When the truth of who Jesus was had been revealed to Andrew the first thing he did after following Jesus for himself was to go and get his brother and bring him to Jesus. If you read further you will see the patten repeated with Philip.  In this case Jesus finds and calls Philip. Philip thens goes and brings  Nathaniel to see Jesus.  In each instance we find men who discover the truth, Jesus, for themselves but they don't keep him to themselves.  Not only do they go and tell it, they bring someone with them.  Am I doing the same thing?  Am I spreading the truth about Jesus?  Do I seek to bring someone else to meet Him for themselves?

I love the Lord, but I have family members that I have not shared the truth with.  I have not even attempted to bring them to meet Jesus.  Sure, they hear me speak about my relationship with Him, but that urgency of going to “get” them has been lacking.  I have let my concern about our earthly relationship hinder me from taking caring of the greater relationship; the one with Christ.

We have brothers and sisters in this world who are waiting on someone to take them to meet Jesus. We don't need to “beat” them over the head with bible or hold them hostage to prayer.  We simply need to take them to see Jesus.  He will do all of the rest.  He lives within each of us.  So that is a great place to start. 

Father I thank You for your word on this day.  I thank you for the truth of who You are.  Give me the wisdom and courage to tell others about who and to bring them meet You for themselves.  May my words and actions reflect You and lift You up so that all men may be drawn unto You.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Grace

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”~James 4:6

Sometimes I get delusional and begin to think that I am Wonder Woman.  I get that I can do it all mentality.    I push through pain and then feel guilty when I don't.  This is pride.  Yes, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, but this includes receiving the grace that He wants to give me.

Grace is being blessed with a supportive family who steps in to  pick up the pieces when I am not at my best because of pain.  Grace is a hug from my church member who wants to ease the emotional burden I face.  Grace are colleagues who check on me at work to make sure I am eating and not over doing it.  Grace is prayer warriors who lift me up to God and keep me encouraged. Grace is the kindness of strangers.  Grace is being okay with weakness because I know He is strong.

I am “not every woman”.  I have limitations, but His grace extends me.  So I humble myself and with gratitude I say thank you. Father, I  thank you for your bountiful grace and mercy for without it I’d be so lost. In Jesus name. Amen

Moving Beyond an Emotional Experience

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’~Mathew 25:37-40

This morning on my way to work I witnessed something that broke my heart.  I saw a man sleeping on the steps of a building near my job.  Across the street I saw others gathered in the parking lot of a local church.  I have seen the homeless before standing on the corner of an intersection asking for work or food, but this was different.  It felt personal.

The image struck me to my core and caused me to think about the hardships of so many lives around me.  My first thought was to ask my co-workers what we could do to help.  Then God whispered to my spirit, the better question is what can I do?  As His child, I also bear responsibility to respond to the needs of others, my brothers and sisters. I must move beyond the emotion of the experience to actually taking some action, however, small it may be. For who knows what angels I may be entertaining ( Hebrews 13:2).

I shared my thoghts with a friend and she gave me the idea of creating health kits.  I can include items like toothpaste, soap, wipes, and perhaps a comforting word.  It doesn't have to be fancy, but available to anyone in need. Father, I don't have much, but what I do have I know you will extend.  May I share your love and hope with others.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

Faith

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ~ Hebrews 11:1


Please forgive me if you have heard about my "eggs dilemna", but I just have to offer God some praise for His faithfulness.  Sometimes the battles we face are not that big in the scheme of things, but they still present us with a challenge to operate in faith.  For me, this challenge is to be able to eat scrambled for a medical test.  

I'll admit it.  I am a picky eater.  I can eat hard boiled eggs, but that's it.  An egg cooked in any other way pushes my regurtitation button.  I don't like the texture of it in my mouth.  However, I don't have a choice.  I have to do this "hard" thing.  Life is like that.  Every thing is not going to always be easy.  We are not always going to get things catered to our personal taste or want.  So even in this "eggship" God is also teaching me humility, patience, and pererverance. 

I am also increasing my faith because eating the eggs will require God to show up in a supernatural way on my behalf.  This "test" requires me to have assurance in what about I do not see.  I have tried unsuccessfully in the past, but I know what God can do.  I know that nothing is impossible for Him.  I know that He hears my prayers and will provide for my needs.  I have been preparing in advance for this test with prayer and  calling on all of my prayior warriors.  I am  also trying to acclamate my stomach to eating the dreadful eggs, but my trust is not in me.  It is soley in Him.

I am happy to say that today I was abble to eat half of an egg.  A huge stepp for me.  I did not accomplish this on my own and I know that God has even greater in store for me.  This test of my faith is being transferred to other areas of my life.  It reminnds me to not limit God.  It reminds that He cares about me in the natural and spirit.  He is my Lord and when I walk in faith, even in the small things, I please Him. ( Hebrews 11:6)

Focusing on God in the midst of the Storm

Matthew 14:22-33

28 Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

As I was out yesterday running errands, it hit me how much faith I chooose to display when I am trying to get things done.  The skies were dark as the storm clouds loomed over.  Every now and then lighting would light the sky.  The wind picked up speed and tossed my hair everywhere.  The storm was near and a downpour was imminent.  Yet, it did not stop me from rushing into the store to get needed supplies for me and my family.  Even though I knew the possibility of me getting soak was real, I kept going.  I was focused on the goal and moved with a purpose.  I did not fear the clouds, lightning, wind, or potential rain.  So why can't I operate with this same sense of faith and purpose in other areas of my life such as health, finances, relationships, and more importantly my calling?

Peter had enough faith to walk on water.  He walked towards Jesus who called Him.  His eyes were foucsed on Him, but when He moved his attention from the Savior He began to sink.  "He looked at the wind and became afraid."  Peter got distacted and begin to doubt.  He let the fear of the created overcome His belief in the creator.  I do that too.  I let the fear of the unknown persuade me.  I look at the clouds and lightning.  I begin to hypothesize about what the rain will do instead of focusing on the goal and what God can do.  That same determination I have for completing ordinary task needs to be transferred to my faith in God.  I need to rely on Him and know that even if I begin to sink, He will save me.  He is not going to let me falter and drown.  He loves me.  He has called me.  

Father, You know my struggles and You know the storms I face.  Keep my eyes on You.  Keep my ears attuned to your voice and let me see your face.  Let me not get distracted. Turn this test into a testimony. Please answer my prayers.  In Jesus name  Amen.

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.~Psalm 105:3-4

A question was raised in one of the devotionals I read.  It asked me  to consider the following “What part of God’s character am I struggling to believe in in the midst of my circumstances?” That’s a heavy question and it causes me to first to think about His character and secondly, to  honestly reflect on what I believe about God.  It is one thing to speak on His character, but another to believe in and trust without doubt when life circumstances are front be center.

So what do I know about the character of God?  I know that God is loving, patient, good, kind, faithful, gentle, enduring, peace and everlasting  because that is what the fruit of His Spirit yields (Galatians 5::22-23). I also know that He is righteous and just (Deuteronomy 32:4).  God is gracious and merciful.  I can go to Him with anything because He cares about those things that concern me ( Hebrews 4:11 and 1 Peter 5:7)

My God is great and all powerful.  There is nothing that He can't do.  Jesus tells me so in  Matthew 19:26 “ With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

I believe in the word of God and I bear witness of character, but yet this is where I struggle. With my head I know that there is nothing He can't do, yet I keep trying to limit Him.  I keep putting God in a spiritual box.  I believe He can clean and guard my heart, but I struggle to believe that He can allow me to eat and keep eggs down for a needed test.   I believe that He can give me wisdom to navigate difficult circumstance, but I struggle to believe in complete healing of my body.  I believe that He is a source of all my needs, yet I still worry about the bills. 

Why is this?  My thinking is faulty.  I keep looking to myself for strength and others fot answers.  As long as I keep limiting God on what I think He can do or should do for me I will never experience His power. I have to learn to surrender absolutely everything to Him, including my limited understanding.

Father your word is true.  With you all things are possible.  Let me receive and believe in this truth within my heart.  Get my mind and limited thinking out of the way.  Father increase my faith as I look to You.  For you are my strength.  It is prideful for me to keep looking to myself.  Forgive me.  Lord help my unbelief and  may I just trust in You.  In Jesus name. Amen

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.~ Isaiah 46:4

Thank you Father for being with me and sustaining me.  Lord, you are my help and the source of everything I need.  Father, you touch me and I am made whole.  May I hold onto to the truth of your word.  In Jesus name, Amen.

His Peace

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ~John 14:27

He gives us peace.  A peace that is complete and solid.  A peace unlike the world’s that is based on circumstances that shift like sand.  His peace can be trusted.  It allows our hearts and minds to rest and causes us to be still.  His peace will allow us to stop the continual churn of the mind as we try to fix the problems that come before us.  His peace frees us from the fear of the unknown because He is known and He knows it all.

I don't know about you, but that is the peace that I desire.  I want that peace that keeps my blood pressure down as I face reduction in pay and another bill that needs to be paid.  His peace reminds me that He will supply all of my needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). 

I want the peace that helps me to wait as I seek answers about medical issues because I can trust Him with the outcome. I want that peace that keeps me from fretting about changes on the job because I know that His plan is not to harm me, but rather to prosper me ( Jeremiah 29:11). His peace reminds me that He is working it all out for my good and His purpose (Romans 8:28).

 So I can pray for wisdom to navigate through the changes as I keep my eyes focused on Him and His purpose for me. His peace is good.  His peace is the assurance of His Spirit residing in me.  So no, I do not have be troubled and I do not have to be afraid for He has given me His peace.  

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”~ Romans 10:14-15

I am blessed beyond measure. God has lifted me up and turned those things that were upside down in my world right-side up.  My Lord is absolutely awesome and I thank Him for everything that He does for me and for all that He is.  If you have not figured it out, I am a praise girl.  My praise comes from being at a point in my life where I am no longer just aware of God, but now I have an intimate relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Yes, I was fortunate to be raised in a Christian home.  I went to Sunday School and Bible Study.  I was an active part of the youth ministry, but that did not bring me joy because I was only doing.  I was checking the boxes and trying in my own strength to be that good, moral and  saved girl. Notice, I was trying, in my own strength.  I failed and became that prodigal daughter.  I skimmed the edges of darkness and was sucked into a hole that I thought I would never be free from.  But God!  He was faithful to me when I faithless.  He sent people to me to share the truth, to encourage me to know Him on a deeper level.  These angels never judged me, but they stayed firm in the Word and lavished His love on me.

So here I am today, with open arms.  Understanding that grace is the free gift of God. It is by grace that I am saved and not of myself.  (Ephesians 2:8-9).  I am not here to boast or proclaim that I have arrived, far from it!  Rather, I am here to share what God has placed in my heart as I continue to walk this journey.  I hope to encourage others while exhorting Christ.  

It is with open arms  I stretch myself to the Lord. With open arms and palms up I say yes to Jesus.  With open arms He waits for me. In His arms is safety, peace, comfort, reassurance, mercy, grace, and unconditional love.  His arms are big enough to hold us all.