Who do they see?

 

Acts 4:13 NIV

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus

They took note that these men had been with Jesus.  I love this and this scripture provoked me to ask myself would others know that I had been with Jesus? Does my life reflect time in His presence and in His Word? For the goal, at least my goal,  is that people see Jesus when they see me.  My life should be a reflection of Him and it should point others to Christ.

Do the words that I speak point to Jesus? Do the things I do and choose not to do reflect a life with Jesus? Am I loving and bold for Christ? Is Jesus pleased with me?

I think it begins with a posture of humility. Realizing that salvation is just the beginning and there is more to learn of His character and way.  Abiding in Him and Him in me because apart from Him I can do nothing.  I can bear no fruit unless I am abiding in Him (John 15:4-5).

Spending time in His Word and prayer.  Taking the time to not only talk to Jesus, but listen and obey.  Going to the quiet place where it’s just You and Him and sitting at His feet.  The joy alone that brings. Letting Him transform me into His image daily.  That’s how others will know.  

Father,  I want others to see You when they cross my path so hide me behind You.  May I spend time with You.  Not just being busy, but being still in your presence.  May others see You and want to know You for themselves.  May they take note.  Lord, I thank You for Your healing and the prayers of the saints.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Healing

 

Isaiah 53:5 NIV

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Today I don’t feel well.  Yet, I am pushing through and claiming healing in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  I have a Savior who took my sins upon Him.  A Savior that suffered for me that I might be healed.  Healed physically and spiritually.  He is the gas in my tank. The reason why I can stand.  I faith in what my God can do.  

Father thank You for caring enough about me to die for me.  Thank You for eternal life.  Thank You for healing that only You can bring.  Thank You for healing my sin sick soul.  I love You Lord and pray for Your blessings on your people today.  Let me be of good countenance. In Jesus name.  Amen

Life lessons-ever present help

 

Psalms 46:1 NIV

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

My son sent me a message about the chandelier light over my kitchen table.  In the picture it shows how the wires are exposed and it is hanging.  I’m at work so thoughts of it dropping and crashing rush through my head.  I am concerned and little panicked, but the first thing I do is send the picture to my husband and even better my I send it to my Dad.  

My  Dad immediately responds and tells me that everything will be okay and he offers his help.  He tells me that there is no threat of the wires pulling loose.  Just talking to my Dad, hearing from calms me as he tells me he is on the way.  

My home “emergency “ got me thinking about my relationship with my Heavenly Father.  I can call on at anytime and He answers.  His Word and Spirit whisper words of reassurance.  He lets me know that everything will be alright.  He has me.  He is my refuge and ever present help. Just knowing I can call on Him ushers in peace.  

 

After I spoke to my earthly Dad I went into prayer to talk to my Father.  I asked for His help in the repair.  I asked Him for peace.  He granted both request.  As I my dad maneuvered the bolts and adjusted the wiring I thought about how God makes adjustments to me.  Getting my faith to be “just right”.  I am connected to Him and He won’t let me fall.

Father, thank You for the lessons in everyday life events.  Thank You for letting me see You at work in my life.  The enemy tries to steal, kill, and destroy but You don’t allow his weapons to prosper.  You bring abundant life.  You let nothing separate us from Your love. I tbtYou and praise your Holy name.  Let me always look to You.  Forgive for the times I try to do it myself.  In Jesus name. Amen

Dealing with disappointment

 

1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Have you ever faced disappointment? I have and they don’t feel good.  But God.  God steps in a fills the void of unmet expectations with His compassion and love.  He has a word for every situation and circumstance.  

Today I was disappointed.  I was so excited about an outcome that turned another way.  What would be my next step? Would I stay down a wallow and get tangled in anxiety or would I let His love speak to me? His word tells me to humble myself under God”a mighty hand that he may lift me up on due time.  The outcome I was seeking didn’t happen today, but it will in God’s timing.  So I will wait on the Lord and be of good courage and let Him strengthen my heart (Psalm 27:14).

I won’t worry and let anxiety grip me in fear.  Instead I will cast my cares upon Him for He cares for me(1 Peter 5:7).  I will trust God with my heart and the outcome and be of good cheer because He loves me.  It’s going to be okay because God’s got me. I know He has good plans for me. Plans to prosper me, to give me hope, and a future(Jeremiah 29:11).  My identity is not in my disappointment or outcome, but in Christ.

Father, sometimes things don’t turn out according to plan and I get disappointed.  When this happens remind me that Your plans are greater and will be accomplished.  Let Your unfailing love speak to me so that my countenance may be lifted and I can be strong of heart.  I love You Lord and I thank You for goodness and mercy.  In Jesus name.  Amen

When we are afraid

Psalms 56:3 NIV

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

 

Seeing the headlines in the news or thinking about storms to come can be scary, but we don’t have to be. His word says that when we are afraid we can ( we will) put our trust in Him.  We put our trust in God who grants us peace when our minds are steadfast and fixed on Him ( Isaiah 26:3).

Keeping our minds on Him and trust in Him removes the burden from trying to solve the problems ourselves.  Rather we put our fears and concerns in the hands of the Almighty who is bigger than any problem.  

We rest assured that we are in the safety of His arms. We run into a strong tower. The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe(Proverbs 18:10). We remember that God is sovereign and their is nothing to hard for our God.

We remember that He is our loving Father who lavishes is with compassionate love knowing that we are mere humans(Psalm 103:14). And we stand affirmed that He is the Almighty God, sovereign over all.  He has us in His hand and nothing can snatch us from His hands( John 10:28-30).So whatever fear or anxiety may raise its head we can crush it with the truth of trusting in all wise Father.

Lord, sometimes I get afraid.  Life can be overwhelming and the enemy wants me to be fear.  But You did not give me the spirit of fear.  So help me to run into the safety of Your arms and trust You.  Trust you with my heart and faith.  Trust You with my relationships and finances.  Trust You with world events.  Trust You with everything and anything that would seek to come between us.  I love You Lord and I thank You for your grace and mercy.  In Jesus name.  Amen

When you feel stuck

 

Psalms 16:5 NIV

LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.

Sometimes it can feel like you are stuck.  Stuck in a job or relationship.  Maybe you feel stuck financially.  Life seems to be moving and passing you by.  You may not be happy with your lot.  But I challenge you, including myself, to see if we are mentally and spiritually stuck.  Perhaps our view of life is “stuck” in a worldly perspective. Maybe our heart posture needs to change or adjusted.

Maybe we need to ask ourselves what is important to us and look at our true inheritance.  Our true inheritance is Christ.  With Christ their is abundant living. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly(John 10:10) The thief doesn’t want you to focus on the goodness of God and the joy He brings.  The thief wants you to feel stuck as if their is no hope.  He wants you to feel like God can’t make that job or relationship whole and complete.  He wants you to forget His promise that you shall not lack( Psalm 23:1)But God can do the impossible(Matthew 19:26) He is our good Shepherd and He wants us to flourish where we are planted.

Perhaps you are playing the comparison game and getting lost in could’ves and should’ves instead praising God for keeping His promises to you. God makes no mistakes and He has us right where He wants us for His purpose and glory.  It’s not to punish you, but polish you.  He is our portion and our cup and the cup He gives runneth over( Psalm 23:5)

When we seek Him first He makes our lots secure.  We are not stuck , but free in Christ.  We are blessed. We can say it is well with my soul.  Our perspectives on our situation changes and we overcome.  Our jobs won’t makes us bitter as we see opportunities for us to serve Lord in that mission field.  Our relationships will have peace because we will walk in peace.  We will walk in love and hope.  Bitterness will not consume us as will not let that root be established in our lives.  We will trust in God for restoration and provision.  We will believe and rejoice in the goodness of the Lord and celebrate our freedom.

Lord, sometimes I feel stuck or allow myself to get in a rut.  I become dissatisfied and disappointed because my eyes and heart are fixed on the wrong things.  Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You.   Help me to remember that You are my portion and my cup.  You are my blessing and lot is secure.  Help me to see You in the midst of the mundane.  Give me the strength to go on and move forward in You.  Help me not to be stuck. Teach me to know and say that whatever my lot it is well, it is well, with my soul because that is what matters.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Communion with God

Jude 1:24-25 ESV

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

This verse is often quoted or said at the end of a church service.  It can become routine to hear it,  but there is so much power and hope in these words.  In this praise to God. This verse reminds me that God is able to keep me.  It reminds me that I am not walking this journey alone for He is with me.  It is He who has the power to keep me from stumbling as I abide in Him and He in me ( John 15:4-11). I am not doing this in my strength, but His.  Sin has no power over me. 

His work on the Cross allows Him to present me blameless before the presence of God because it is His shed blood that covers me. “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”(Ephesians 1:7) He does this with joy because He loves us.

I also love how this verse keeps our eyes on the Savior for to God be the glory and majesty(all of it) for all honor belongs to Him.  To Him be the dominion( sovereignty and control)  over all things.  We are safe in His care. To Him be the authority as we submit to Him as Lord and King. His authority is both past, present, and future.  It is without end as He is without end.  

This verse represents communion with God.  It keeps me from striving and instead allows me to exist and have my being in Him (Acts 17:28)I am not alone.  God delights in me and I in Him.

Father thank You for love.  Thank You for keeping me.  Keep my mind stayed on thee and I will be careful to give you all the glory, honor, and praise.  Have your way Lord.  In Jesus name. Amen