God is with us-tell your story

Joshua 1:9 NIV

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

We are heading into a new year and no one but God knows what the future holds.  Yet, we don’t have to be afraid because God has promised to be with us wherever we go( Joshua 1:9).  I can’t believe another year is upon us. An opportunity for a fresh start.  I read a couple of things today in a devotional that touched me.  It states below….

“Be who you needed when you were younger. There’s probably a college student who needs to hear your testimony, a young mom who needs to hear she’s doing a good job, or a middle-school girl who needs to hear love isn’t how her dad treated her mom. Someone needs your story, your presence and your discipleship.”

This is not the first time I have been urged to tell or share my story.  It reminded me of the kindness of two strangers who gave me a moment of calm as I broke down in the middle of the post office with my toddler in tow.  They shared a story of love.  That was God wrapping His arms around me that day and this year I want to be His arms for someone else.  I want to share my story. I want to use by God.  I don’t know how, but I am trusting God to be with me as I become vulnerable for someone who needs a kiss from Christ.  Each day is a new opportunity just as each year is a new start.  Let’s make the most of it.  

Father I thank You for being with us as we head into a new year.  Let us be bold and courageous for You as we share our stories with others.  Let us lift You up that You may draw all men unto You.  We thank You for this year and God willing the next one.  Thank You for possibilities and hope.  Thank You for You.  In Jesus name we pray. Amen

Celebrating Jesus

 

Isaiah 9:6 NIV

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

It’s Christmas time. A time that we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  As I write that statement, I can’t help but think we should celebrate this truth all year round for His birth birthed hope in our soul.  Our Redeemer came.  Our Counselor came. Our Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of peace came that the world might be saved.  

Love was birthed in a big way, for He came to die for our sins that we might live in right standing with the Father.  Jesus is God’s gift to You and I; to all of humanity.  He came humble and granted us access to Him.  The One who hears our prayers and intercedes for us ( Hebrews 7:25). The One who wipes away tears and garners us with peace so that our hearts won’t be troubled(John 14:27).

Christmas is a special time.  All gets still.  Time with loved ones. Memories of those who have gone before us.  Christ is center stage.  May He and His love be centered in our lives all year long.  Merry Christmas!

Jesus thank You for coming to this earth to save humanity.  Thank You for being every thing we need.  Bless our families and keep the love for You burning bright.  In Jesus name.  Amen

The Power of His Word

 

Luke 1:37 NIV

For no word from God will ever fail.”

Our God is awesome.  He is amazing, faithful, and true.  He is all powerful and He holds the whole world in His hands.  We can trust what He says to us.  We can trust Him at His word because no word from God will ever fail.  The Amplified translation says "For with God nothing [is or ever] shall be impossible.”  This means that nothing is too hard for our God.  No situation or circumstance is too much for Him.  He is ( with emphasis) working it out for our good according to His purpose ( Romans 8:28).

I just listened to a song by Tasha Cobbs Leonard,  You Know My Name and I was just overcome with love and gratitude for a God who calls me His child.  His word says that we are sons and daughters in 2 Corinthians 6:18.  Thankfulness for a God who will never leave nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:8).  His word says this and His word WILL NOT AND CANNOT FAIL.  Hallelujah!

His word is refreshing.  His word is peace.  His word is life.  It does not fail.  This is motivation to continue each day seeking to serve Him; seeking to love others. This fact is courage to face the mountains and the valleys of life.  His word never fails, thus His love does not.  He sent His Son to die on the cross and to raise again on the third day to fulfill His word granting forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with the Father. (John 3:16) His word says I am redeemed (Ephesians 1:7) and His word does not fail.

It's Christmas season. The time we celebrate the birth of Christ.  It's also a time to celebrate the Word because the Word became flesh and dwelt among us( John 1:14).  We celebrate a victorious Lord and Savior.  We can celebrate a victorious life in Christ because no word of God will ever fail.  Thank You Jesus.

Father, I thank You for Your Word.  I thank You for the power of Your word and that it cannot fail.  I thank You for the anointing of  Your Spirit that breathes on us. I thank You for You.  May I be bold for You in the knowledge of Your truth.  May I walk in victory.  In Jesus name. Amen

Clearing the fog

 

James 1:2-3 NIV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

This weather has been mixture of fog, cloudy days, and rain in my neck of the woods.  The meteorologist explain that the fog persists because we have stable weather, there is no wind of breeze to clear the fog.  They have said this several times as they discussed the reasons for fog warnings and the visibility on the road.  As I listened to the report and the weatherman's explanation of stable weather I could not help but be drawn to thinking about trials and tribulations.

You see sometimes we need a little instability to make things clear, to bring clarity to who we are and Whose we are.  Sometimes our lives or vision can be decreased by our thinking.  Like maybe we are thinking we are doing this life thing on our own.  We can be blinded by blessings that we think we are self dependent, but trials remind us where our help comes.  Trials and tribulations strengthen our faith and help us to persevere.  They can give us a clear vision of God and in His goodness in the midst of it all.  He becomes our breeze and sunshine. No one likes instability, but when we stand on the Rock we are safe and the breeze just clears the way. So we consider the trials with joy because they serve a purpose and He is working all things out for our good.

Father, I thank You for Your creation and the way You use it to speak to Your people.  Let us be steadfast when trials and tribulations come because we know that You are using all things for our good and Your purpose.  Help us to be a comfort to those who are experiencing hard times as You are a comfort to us.  In this season and every season help us to love.  In Jesus name. Amen

He holds our hand

 

Isaiah 41:13 NIV

For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

What a might God we serve.  What a loving Father.  When I read this verse I think of my husband holding my hand when he knows I am battling anxiety.  The grip and the touch comfort me.  God is greater than any man so as I go through life's trials it is comforting to know that He hold my right hand.  He is giving me His strength and telling me to not be afraid  for He will help me.

Just let that soak in.  God is holding your hand and He is helping you.  You can not be defeated with God on your side.  No circumstance can overtake you.  You are the overcomer because He has overcome. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John16:33

We can be of good cheer because we have God.

How much love has He lavished on us that we should be called the children of God( 1 John 3:1).  And as His child he holds our hand.  He walks with us and talks with us.  He let's us know that it's going to be okay because He's got us.  We are in His beautiful hands.

Thank you Jesus for always being here for me and for us.  Thank You for telling us not to be afraid.  Thank You for helping us through the twist and turns of life.  Let us stand tall with the assurance from You.  And thank You for your grace and mercy; for taking the time to let us know that You are with us.  We love You Lord. In Jesus name.  Amen