33 “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.” John 16:33
Jesus was constantly telling people throughout the New Testament to TAKE HEART! What you and I can be sure of is that if Jesus is telling us to Take heart that must mean there is a chance that we have lost heart somewhere along the way. I just wonder how many of you have ever lost heart. You may be reading this devotion now and you are dealing with some things in life that are making you tired, weary, discouraged, dealing with grief, and ready to give up. That’s exactly what it means to lose heart.
When Jesus tells us to take heart it means to: be encouraged, to have hope, to be bold and confident, to not give up, to be of good cheer, to have courage, and to CHEER UP! Whether we take heart or lose heart is simply a choice we make. The way Jesus uses the phrase take heart here in John 16:33 is as an imperative verb. That means that he is saying taking heart is an action, it’s something we do, and that it is a possibility in our lives based off the choice we make…but it doesn’t become a reality until we actually make the choice.
There is a very good reason that Jesus tells us we will have to take heart. In John 16:33 Jesus makes very clear to us that in this world we WILL have trouble and tribulation. If you like memorizing promises from God you can memorize this one. I wonder how many times we find this promise in our promise books? The fact is that you and I will experience hardship in life. We will deal with pain and grief and loss. It’s part of living in a falling world. We shouldn’t be too surprised when some trial or tribulation makes its way into our lives, it’s part of what God has already warned us would happen. But we do get to choose how we respond to those trials. We can choose to take heart.
There are a few things to watch out for that can cause you to lose heart throughout a trial.
1. We can listen to the wrong people
2. We can let the problem make itself bigger than God (Are you telling God how big your
problems are or are you telling your problems how big your God is?)
3. We can believe rumors
So how do we take heart? The first step is to pray persistently. Just because God tells us trials will come doesn’t mean we just give in to them. Jesus uses a story in Luke 18 about a widow that continued to go to the judge and ask for justice to teach us how to pray. She went back time and time again and pleaded with the judge and finally the judge gave in and granted her request. Jesus wasn’t comparing the woman and judge to us and God but in fact contrasting it. He was saying if this woman who was a poor widow could get a judge to hear her and bring her justice how much more will a loving God respond to his children. God does respond to our persistence in prayer, so keep asking him.
The second step to taking heart is choosing to trust your God. John 14:1 tells us “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” I have a question for you: Are you trusting God or….Are you trusting God to do what you tell him to do.
You and I have got to get to the point where we can say God I Trust you and not just God I trust you to fix my problem just like I tell you to. We have to be careful to understand that even though we are told to pray persistently we may not always get the answers just exactly like we wanted them. So many times we tune into a message or devotion ready to hear promises to you that God will do this and God will do that. Now God is clear in his word and does promise us many things but the most important promise he gives you is that he will be faithful no matter what you are facing. So take heart dear one….
John 16:33 Message
I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply
at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take
heart! I’ve conquered the world.”
Showing posts with label trials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trials. Show all posts
“But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
My foot has held fast to his steps;
I have kept his way and have not turned aside.
I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.
But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back?
What he desires, that he does.
For he will complete what he appoints for me,
and many such things are in his mind.”
Job 23.10-14 (ESV)
Using a fire to refine gold is the oldest and most reliable way to purify this very valuable element. Within the furnace, the radiating fire burns away anything not of pure gold. Using the analogy of being refined in the fire is also one of the oldest analogies we can find of God testing the believer.
“When he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” God has this incredible heart for and vision of His sons and daughters that we cannot fully see. But we know that we are His treasure. You are His treasure; something of much worth to Him. God wants the very best for us, and for us to represent pure gold.
Right now I am going through a very difficult season, and when I read these verses the other day, I was so encouraged. I know that through this fire God has me in, I want to be refined and purified, as much as possible. Don't you want the same for every fire and storm you go through? If we do not allow God to fully refine us, than the trial was worth what? Just a hard time? Or is it worth something far more!
When gold is refined in the fire, it loses nothing of it’s worth, nor is it affected by outside elements. The only thing that is taken out from the gold is that which is impure.
As Job was going through this truly difficult time in his life, his character lost nothing of value, or it’s lustre. The same should be for our own life. When we go through the fire, nothing of our value or lustre will be lost in the fire. If it be genuine, it will lose nothing of it’s quality, only that which is impure.
Although in this chapter Job is wondering where the Lord is in his situation, one thing Job was sure of was his obedience to God. He knew that he had walked faithfully with the Lord, and that ultimately, the Lord would honor him.
Right now I want to be assured of one thing, and indeed I am: that the Lord God Almighty will be faithful to those who serve Him faithfully. In fact, I’m depending on that.
Ultimately, God will do whatever He pleases. Verse 13 says, “But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does.” But we can know that as His daughters, He has our best interests at heart.
What I find so incredible is that at the end of this book, Job is blessed with double portions. In chapter 1, verse 3, the account is given of Job: “He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east.” In Job 42.12 it says of Job, “And he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys.”
God didn’t leave Job an outcast, but through the fire refined Job, and rewarded his character through the fire by doubling what he had before! What an incredible testimony we can look forward to in our own life!
God really cares for us, and if anything, a fire should prove that to be true. A fire is God’s way of buckling down in us character and purity. Why? Because He has so much planned for us! Verse 14 says, “For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind.”
That verse is so exciting to me! Why? Because God has so much planned! God is looking for strong, pure, honorable women in His Kingdom. Those daughters who will rise up for the many plans that He has. Lets not shy away or sit in pity during our fires. But rather lets feel the burn and allow God to purify us the the fullest extent!
when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
My foot has held fast to his steps;
I have kept his way and have not turned aside.
I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.
But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back?
What he desires, that he does.
For he will complete what he appoints for me,
and many such things are in his mind.”
Job 23.10-14 (ESV)
Using a fire to refine gold is the oldest and most reliable way to purify this very valuable element. Within the furnace, the radiating fire burns away anything not of pure gold. Using the analogy of being refined in the fire is also one of the oldest analogies we can find of God testing the believer.
“When he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” God has this incredible heart for and vision of His sons and daughters that we cannot fully see. But we know that we are His treasure. You are His treasure; something of much worth to Him. God wants the very best for us, and for us to represent pure gold.
Right now I am going through a very difficult season, and when I read these verses the other day, I was so encouraged. I know that through this fire God has me in, I want to be refined and purified, as much as possible. Don't you want the same for every fire and storm you go through? If we do not allow God to fully refine us, than the trial was worth what? Just a hard time? Or is it worth something far more!
When gold is refined in the fire, it loses nothing of it’s worth, nor is it affected by outside elements. The only thing that is taken out from the gold is that which is impure.
As Job was going through this truly difficult time in his life, his character lost nothing of value, or it’s lustre. The same should be for our own life. When we go through the fire, nothing of our value or lustre will be lost in the fire. If it be genuine, it will lose nothing of it’s quality, only that which is impure.
Although in this chapter Job is wondering where the Lord is in his situation, one thing Job was sure of was his obedience to God. He knew that he had walked faithfully with the Lord, and that ultimately, the Lord would honor him.
Right now I want to be assured of one thing, and indeed I am: that the Lord God Almighty will be faithful to those who serve Him faithfully. In fact, I’m depending on that.
Ultimately, God will do whatever He pleases. Verse 13 says, “But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does.” But we can know that as His daughters, He has our best interests at heart.
What I find so incredible is that at the end of this book, Job is blessed with double portions. In chapter 1, verse 3, the account is given of Job: “He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east.” In Job 42.12 it says of Job, “And he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys.”
God didn’t leave Job an outcast, but through the fire refined Job, and rewarded his character through the fire by doubling what he had before! What an incredible testimony we can look forward to in our own life!
God really cares for us, and if anything, a fire should prove that to be true. A fire is God’s way of buckling down in us character and purity. Why? Because He has so much planned for us! Verse 14 says, “For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind.”
That verse is so exciting to me! Why? Because God has so much planned! God is looking for strong, pure, honorable women in His Kingdom. Those daughters who will rise up for the many plans that He has. Lets not shy away or sit in pity during our fires. But rather lets feel the burn and allow God to purify us the the fullest extent!
Category:
encouragement,
faith,
trials
1 comments
Hebrew 11:13
“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.”
This scripture is describing ordinary people who were radically changed. They lived life by their faith and had an unfailing love in Christ. So my question for the day is, will we have enough faith and hope in the Lord knowing we may not see what He has promised while living here on earth? Will we have enough faith to continue to believe when we don’t see His promise in a year, ten years, twenty years or even in this lifetime? I have come to realize how easy it is to believe if you are seeing the fruit of your labor. Lately I believe the Lord has been asking me to check my heart on this condition. The true test and call on our lives is to continue to have abundant faith and follow after our heavenly Father regardless if we are seeing immediate results.
As we walk with Jesus we can expect many trials. 1 Peter 1:6-7 says, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” As we suffer for a little while, I believe this is the time when “all eyes” will be on you. People want to know how you react to these times. Many people are searching for this comfort of faith and security as you walk through this fire. They will be drawn to the Savior by your reaction. Stop and think about that the next time you are hit with bad news or a tense situation. This could be the moment that changes a life.
God has also taught me to expect the attack of satan in my life. He knows he is losing the grip in our lives, he’s losing alternatives to work his distraction and destruction in our day to day life. Maybe you feel the pressure and attack of satan on a continual basis. I’m sure you are like me and think he is going to defeat you if one more blow comes your way. I want you to understand that he will use every last person or strong hold to try and wipe you out. He is angry that he has lost his death grip on you. He will also work on attacking another family member. It may be your husband or wife, it may be your best friend or coworker, it may even be your children. He wants to distract you and cause you to give up. Let me share with you Godfriends, something I heard that turned my thinking around. If satan is not bothering you, then you’re not bothering satan. Lets begin to look at these distractions he is throwing in our path as an opportunity to bring glory to God.
Continue to yearn for more of God’s love and understanding when times are tough! Continue to dive into His Word of comfort when you have no idea why things are going like they are. Continue to pray along with me that the body of believers will unite as a whole and run the race that leads to eternal salvation.
“Father God, I thank you for speaking directly into my life this morning. I praise you for allowing me to share this encouragement with others. Continue to pour this wisdom and more importantly truth, into our lives. Father we want to be bold and diligent in the lifelong commitment we have made to You. Today we stand up tall and strong acknowledging your wings of protection surrounding us. We repent for all the times we have been weak and let the pressure of satan allow us to feel defeated. We choose to fight this battle as we stand together, united, believing in you, your promises, your direction and guidance in our journey to everlasting love. We will continue to believe and hope in the day of answered prayer, whether they be on earth or in Heaven. You are more than enough! In your precious Name, Amen!"
Love, Maranda Huntley
Reflection Questions
Do you have unanswered prayers, list a few?
Can you begin to equip yourself in God’s Word and love that even if they are unanswered you will continue to hope in the Lord?
How can you prepare yourself and your reaction to the next trial in your life?
“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.”
This scripture is describing ordinary people who were radically changed. They lived life by their faith and had an unfailing love in Christ. So my question for the day is, will we have enough faith and hope in the Lord knowing we may not see what He has promised while living here on earth? Will we have enough faith to continue to believe when we don’t see His promise in a year, ten years, twenty years or even in this lifetime? I have come to realize how easy it is to believe if you are seeing the fruit of your labor. Lately I believe the Lord has been asking me to check my heart on this condition. The true test and call on our lives is to continue to have abundant faith and follow after our heavenly Father regardless if we are seeing immediate results.
As we walk with Jesus we can expect many trials. 1 Peter 1:6-7 says, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” As we suffer for a little while, I believe this is the time when “all eyes” will be on you. People want to know how you react to these times. Many people are searching for this comfort of faith and security as you walk through this fire. They will be drawn to the Savior by your reaction. Stop and think about that the next time you are hit with bad news or a tense situation. This could be the moment that changes a life.
God has also taught me to expect the attack of satan in my life. He knows he is losing the grip in our lives, he’s losing alternatives to work his distraction and destruction in our day to day life. Maybe you feel the pressure and attack of satan on a continual basis. I’m sure you are like me and think he is going to defeat you if one more blow comes your way. I want you to understand that he will use every last person or strong hold to try and wipe you out. He is angry that he has lost his death grip on you. He will also work on attacking another family member. It may be your husband or wife, it may be your best friend or coworker, it may even be your children. He wants to distract you and cause you to give up. Let me share with you Godfriends, something I heard that turned my thinking around. If satan is not bothering you, then you’re not bothering satan. Lets begin to look at these distractions he is throwing in our path as an opportunity to bring glory to God.
Continue to yearn for more of God’s love and understanding when times are tough! Continue to dive into His Word of comfort when you have no idea why things are going like they are. Continue to pray along with me that the body of believers will unite as a whole and run the race that leads to eternal salvation.
“Father God, I thank you for speaking directly into my life this morning. I praise you for allowing me to share this encouragement with others. Continue to pour this wisdom and more importantly truth, into our lives. Father we want to be bold and diligent in the lifelong commitment we have made to You. Today we stand up tall and strong acknowledging your wings of protection surrounding us. We repent for all the times we have been weak and let the pressure of satan allow us to feel defeated. We choose to fight this battle as we stand together, united, believing in you, your promises, your direction and guidance in our journey to everlasting love. We will continue to believe and hope in the day of answered prayer, whether they be on earth or in Heaven. You are more than enough! In your precious Name, Amen!"
Love, Maranda Huntley
Reflection Questions
Do you have unanswered prayers, list a few?
Can you begin to equip yourself in God’s Word and love that even if they are unanswered you will continue to hope in the Lord?
How can you prepare yourself and your reaction to the next trial in your life?
Category:
encouragement,
trials
0
comments
The past few Thursdays, I have been posting a small Bible study on the Traps of Doubt-a few common traps the enemy uses against us women. He so badly wants us to take our eyes off of God and turn them onto other things. These other things will fail us and they will NOT bring us hope or lasting security as only God can. But, if the enemy can trap us, then we are less likely to be used for God’s mighty purposes. If we are walking around insecure, we're not going to be thinking of reaching out and encouraging others; if we are feeling insignificant, we’ll never step out with a submissive heart and do the things that God whispers for us to do. Today we are going to take a look at the third trap that the enemy uses against us. He gets us to:
Turn our eyes toward the future
How many of you are ‘figure-it-outers?” Not really a word, huh? That’s kind of scary since I’m a home school mom!:) But isn’t this so true? I love to have things figured out, to plan accordingly and get all of my ‘ducks in a row’; as the quote goes. Can you relate? We start trying to figure things out; planning for the future and using wisdom, but eventually we often find ourselves over-analyzing, worried, and concerned.
Our job begins to look hopeless, so we begin to think, “How will I ever support my family?” Or, “Will I ever be able to find another job that pays this well?” What about when we have a child seemingly going wayward? We look to the future and begin to think, “Ugh, if she doesn’t make some changes, her future will be a mess! She’ll never change!” We’ve been praying for someone’s salvation for what seems like an eternity and we’re not seeing any evidence of change, so we think, “they’ll never come to know God.” Doubts! Doubts! Doubts!
Webster’s definition of doubt is: 1. To FEAR 2.To lack confidence in 3. DISTRUST; to consider unlikely ; to be uncertain
When difficulties arise, our doubts seem to peak. See, the enemy would love to get us to be fearful, lack confidence, unable to trust God or be uncertain that He is big enough to care for us and our future. When trials or hardships came…it’s not time to doubt, but to grow and watch God keep his promises!! Let’s take a look at some of the promises:
Philippians 4:6-9 says, “Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.”
He promises us that as we pray, instead of worrying, He is able to come fill us with wholeness and reassurance that He is using all things in our lives for good.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” He has plans to give us a great future! He loves us, he cares for us and the trials we encounter are not meant to hurt us. But, the important thing to remember is found in verses 12-14, “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. I will be found by you and will bring you back from captivity.” Wow! He is ready to deliver us from any captivity if we seek him with all of our hearts. I encourage you today to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any ways that you have been struggling with trying to figure out your future, instead of fully relying on and trusting God. He will be faithful to show you, as well as walk you through it to complete freedom!!
Love ya girls,
Stephanie
Study Questions:
Jeremiah 17:7-8; What is an obvious benefit of having our trust in God?
2 Timothy 2:22-26; What are some common ways you can help others escape the traps of the enemy?
1 Peter 5:6-10; When we humble ourselves, how does God make us stronger, firmer and more steadfast?
Suggested Study Resources:
Breaking Free by Beth Moore
Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Turn our eyes toward the future
How many of you are ‘figure-it-outers?” Not really a word, huh? That’s kind of scary since I’m a home school mom!:) But isn’t this so true? I love to have things figured out, to plan accordingly and get all of my ‘ducks in a row’; as the quote goes. Can you relate? We start trying to figure things out; planning for the future and using wisdom, but eventually we often find ourselves over-analyzing, worried, and concerned.
Our job begins to look hopeless, so we begin to think, “How will I ever support my family?” Or, “Will I ever be able to find another job that pays this well?” What about when we have a child seemingly going wayward? We look to the future and begin to think, “Ugh, if she doesn’t make some changes, her future will be a mess! She’ll never change!” We’ve been praying for someone’s salvation for what seems like an eternity and we’re not seeing any evidence of change, so we think, “they’ll never come to know God.” Doubts! Doubts! Doubts!
Webster’s definition of doubt is: 1. To FEAR 2.To lack confidence in 3. DISTRUST; to consider unlikely ; to be uncertain
When difficulties arise, our doubts seem to peak. See, the enemy would love to get us to be fearful, lack confidence, unable to trust God or be uncertain that He is big enough to care for us and our future. When trials or hardships came…it’s not time to doubt, but to grow and watch God keep his promises!! Let’s take a look at some of the promises:
Philippians 4:6-9 says, “Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.”
He promises us that as we pray, instead of worrying, He is able to come fill us with wholeness and reassurance that He is using all things in our lives for good.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” He has plans to give us a great future! He loves us, he cares for us and the trials we encounter are not meant to hurt us. But, the important thing to remember is found in verses 12-14, “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. I will be found by you and will bring you back from captivity.” Wow! He is ready to deliver us from any captivity if we seek him with all of our hearts. I encourage you today to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any ways that you have been struggling with trying to figure out your future, instead of fully relying on and trusting God. He will be faithful to show you, as well as walk you through it to complete freedom!!
Love ya girls,
Stephanie
Study Questions:
Jeremiah 17:7-8; What is an obvious benefit of having our trust in God?
2 Timothy 2:22-26; What are some common ways you can help others escape the traps of the enemy?
1 Peter 5:6-10; When we humble ourselves, how does God make us stronger, firmer and more steadfast?
Suggested Study Resources:
Breaking Free by Beth Moore
Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Category:
encouragement,
online bible study,
trials
0
comments
One of my favorite things about God and His Word is the constant relationship between the two. And how neither will ever change. There is something very trusting and safe in knowing that the One on the other side of the relationship will never give up on you, and that the promises that coincide with that relationship will never be empty.
I love (and I use that word very seriously) that God and His Word are always for me. And not just for me, but for everyone. It’s universal! One of the best experiences in life happens when you are going through a season and God sends you Scripture that is perfect in it’s timing. It’s food in season that you desperately hold onto and feed yourself with.
Right now that food for me is Psalm 34. I can’ t tell you how much this Psalm has fed my soul in the last few weeks. It’s a Psalm of praise, and a Psalm of wisdom instruction. Both key disciplines in the spiritual walk of a believer.
The first verse is my favorite. “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” This may sound ridiculous, but when I first began incorporating this psalm into my walk a few weeks ago, I put in my phone calendar this verse, and scheduled random reminders for it. So throughout the day and the week, I was getting reminders to praise God.
I’m not embarrassed to admit I need a little help in this. The Bible says that our minds are hostile towards God (Romans 8.7); naturally, it does not desire to contemplate on His goodness, so sometimes I may need a little reminder to do just that.
Oh, how I long to be known as a person who continually praises God. That’s are primary purpose and first calling...to give glory to God. And not only to be known as a person who does so, but to be one that encourages others to do so. Verse 3 says, “Oh, magnify the LORD with me,and let us exalt his name together!”
Definitions of magnify include: to make greater in size, to enlarge, to extol.
This means that my primary reason for breathing is to enlarge God not only in my life, but to encourage it in the lives of others.
I know I said verse 1 is my favorite, but I happen to have another favorite part (let’s be real, I can’t have a favorite when it comes to the Word of God...it’s all so good!). Five times in this Psalm, the word “all” is used (ESV).
V. 4: “I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
V. 6: “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.”
V. 17: “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their
troubles.”
V. 19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.”
V. 20: “He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.”
If that doesn’t encourage your heart, I don’t know what would? Not only do we serve a God that is unchanging, but we serve a God that delivers us out of ALL our troubles. We can be confident in the promises of God. We can be confident in the promise that He will take care of ALL our problems.
The key to receiving the blessings of God is a consistency of worship in the life of the believer. Verse 9 (MSG) says, “Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.” Perhaps you’re facing an uphill battle? Maybe worship and praise is one of the last things on your mind? I’ve been there many times, but each time I learn how much more important it is to praise. At all times.
The final verse in the psalm says, “God pays for each slave's freedom; no one who runs to him loses out.” He’s already purchased your freedom and the victory is His already. Which means the victory is yours! Know that You can’t lose when you run to God!
I love (and I use that word very seriously) that God and His Word are always for me. And not just for me, but for everyone. It’s universal! One of the best experiences in life happens when you are going through a season and God sends you Scripture that is perfect in it’s timing. It’s food in season that you desperately hold onto and feed yourself with.
Right now that food for me is Psalm 34. I can’ t tell you how much this Psalm has fed my soul in the last few weeks. It’s a Psalm of praise, and a Psalm of wisdom instruction. Both key disciplines in the spiritual walk of a believer.
The first verse is my favorite. “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” This may sound ridiculous, but when I first began incorporating this psalm into my walk a few weeks ago, I put in my phone calendar this verse, and scheduled random reminders for it. So throughout the day and the week, I was getting reminders to praise God.
I’m not embarrassed to admit I need a little help in this. The Bible says that our minds are hostile towards God (Romans 8.7); naturally, it does not desire to contemplate on His goodness, so sometimes I may need a little reminder to do just that.
Oh, how I long to be known as a person who continually praises God. That’s are primary purpose and first calling...to give glory to God. And not only to be known as a person who does so, but to be one that encourages others to do so. Verse 3 says, “Oh, magnify the LORD with me,and let us exalt his name together!”
Definitions of magnify include: to make greater in size, to enlarge, to extol.
This means that my primary reason for breathing is to enlarge God not only in my life, but to encourage it in the lives of others.
I know I said verse 1 is my favorite, but I happen to have another favorite part (let’s be real, I can’t have a favorite when it comes to the Word of God...it’s all so good!). Five times in this Psalm, the word “all” is used (ESV).
V. 4: “I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
V. 6: “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.”
V. 17: “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their
troubles.”
V. 19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.”
V. 20: “He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.”
If that doesn’t encourage your heart, I don’t know what would? Not only do we serve a God that is unchanging, but we serve a God that delivers us out of ALL our troubles. We can be confident in the promises of God. We can be confident in the promise that He will take care of ALL our problems.
The key to receiving the blessings of God is a consistency of worship in the life of the believer. Verse 9 (MSG) says, “Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.” Perhaps you’re facing an uphill battle? Maybe worship and praise is one of the last things on your mind? I’ve been there many times, but each time I learn how much more important it is to praise. At all times.
The final verse in the psalm says, “God pays for each slave's freedom; no one who runs to him loses out.” He’s already purchased your freedom and the victory is His already. Which means the victory is yours! Know that You can’t lose when you run to God!
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So have you ever had one of those days...when everything that could go wrong does and nothing happens at a "convenient" time. I just had one of those. In fact it's been two weeks of "one of those days". I just got back from the ER with my son. He had been running a temperature of 104 (that's a scary number for a 1st time mom). He has had ear infections, respiratory infections, teething, plus just the regular "baby fits". Poor little guy just hasn't felt great and poor mom has been pushed to the limits. And sometimes dads; bless their hearts, just "don't get it". With all that said, I didn't get to write you sweet girls a devotion today. So I hope you don't mind if I post an article I have shared before...but it's been a few years! Enjoy and please pray for my little man...and his mamma.
I have to share a story with you that happened just the other day. I had been having a very long day with a very fussy baby, not to mention the fact that it had been about 10 weeks of no sleep due to the addition of this precious new baby to our family. My son had been crying all day long for the third day in a row. So that night I asked my husband to be the one to bathe him (it’s when he screams the loudest). Generously my husband said yes and off he went with my little Jase. A few minutes later he returns holding Jase completely naked in his arms and he blurts out, “Honey I think he got your butt!”
Now to some that may seem funny. But that’s probably because you haven’t seen a baby’s bottom lately. They are chubby and full of cute dimples. On a baby we call them dimples that‘s why they are cute, but on a grown woman we refer to it as cellulite…not so cute. As soon as my husband had finished blurting out the comment I burst into tears. My poor husband’s grin quickly turned into a panicked frown. He kept repeating “I didn’t mean it…I didn’t mean it!” I explained to him through the gasping and weeping that I already knew my butt didn’t look so good and that I wasn’t back in shape yet. Of course within minutes I was laughing at how ridiculous my response was to my husband’s innocent comment. So what does this have to do with 1 Corinthians 7:25-40. Really not too much… except I think this might be what Paul meant by if you are single you should stay single! Of course I’m only kidding and I have an amazing and wonderful husband.
This passage in 1 Corinthians 7 did remind me of the changing seasons we go through. It seems like as soon as we get into a routine of spending time with God , serving God, and living life for Him….Life changes and forces our walk with God to change too. Listen to verses 32-35 from the Message version:
“I want you to live as free of complications as possible. When you're unmarried, you're free to concentrate on simply pleasing the Master. Marriage involves you in all the nuts and bolts of domestic life and in wanting to please your spouse, leading to so many more demands on your attention. The time and energy that married people spend on caring for and nurturing each other, the unmarried can spend in becoming whole and holy instruments of God. I'm trying to be helpful and make it as easy as possible for you, not make things harder. All I want is for you to be able to develop a way of life in which you can spend plenty of time together with the Master without a lot of distractions.”
Paul knew that as our lives change so will the direction of our time and energy. I must admit to you that the amount of uninterrupted time I was able to spend with God drastically changed when I got married. And recently with my new baby boy here, it has changed even more. I have really struggled lately with feelings of discouragement and shame over not being able to study, pray, and serve as I did when I was single with no children. But those feelings aren’t from God. He is the one that gave me my wonderful husband and child, so God knew all along that my devotion time would have to look different. And the good news is he isn’t upset with me about it at all. Isn’t that a freeing thought?
Although God knows that each one of us have circumstances that make our devotion time look different from one another…he also knows that it is vital that we do have a devotion time. Jesus says about the word of God that it is more important than the bread we eat, so that means that it is important that you and I do find ways to spend time with God. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 7 that all he wanted was for you to be able to develop a way of life in which you can spend plenty of time together with the Master without a lot of distractions. That’s God’s heart for each of us regardless of what season of life we are in. It has challenged me to become more creative in finding ways to be together with Jesus by cutting out all the things that are unnecessary. I challenge you to do the same. Paul puts it this way…
“I do want to point out, friends, that time is of the essence. There is no time to waste, so don't complicate your lives unnecessarily. Keep it simple —in marriage, grief, joy, whatever. Even in ordinary things—your daily routines of shopping, and so on. Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out.”
Let’s continue to encourage one another to keep life simple so that we don’t miss the precious times we could be spending with God.
xoxo
Justeina
I have to share a story with you that happened just the other day. I had been having a very long day with a very fussy baby, not to mention the fact that it had been about 10 weeks of no sleep due to the addition of this precious new baby to our family. My son had been crying all day long for the third day in a row. So that night I asked my husband to be the one to bathe him (it’s when he screams the loudest). Generously my husband said yes and off he went with my little Jase. A few minutes later he returns holding Jase completely naked in his arms and he blurts out, “Honey I think he got your butt!”
Now to some that may seem funny. But that’s probably because you haven’t seen a baby’s bottom lately. They are chubby and full of cute dimples. On a baby we call them dimples that‘s why they are cute, but on a grown woman we refer to it as cellulite…not so cute. As soon as my husband had finished blurting out the comment I burst into tears. My poor husband’s grin quickly turned into a panicked frown. He kept repeating “I didn’t mean it…I didn’t mean it!” I explained to him through the gasping and weeping that I already knew my butt didn’t look so good and that I wasn’t back in shape yet. Of course within minutes I was laughing at how ridiculous my response was to my husband’s innocent comment. So what does this have to do with 1 Corinthians 7:25-40. Really not too much… except I think this might be what Paul meant by if you are single you should stay single! Of course I’m only kidding and I have an amazing and wonderful husband.
This passage in 1 Corinthians 7 did remind me of the changing seasons we go through. It seems like as soon as we get into a routine of spending time with God , serving God, and living life for Him….Life changes and forces our walk with God to change too. Listen to verses 32-35 from the Message version:
“I want you to live as free of complications as possible. When you're unmarried, you're free to concentrate on simply pleasing the Master. Marriage involves you in all the nuts and bolts of domestic life and in wanting to please your spouse, leading to so many more demands on your attention. The time and energy that married people spend on caring for and nurturing each other, the unmarried can spend in becoming whole and holy instruments of God. I'm trying to be helpful and make it as easy as possible for you, not make things harder. All I want is for you to be able to develop a way of life in which you can spend plenty of time together with the Master without a lot of distractions.”
Paul knew that as our lives change so will the direction of our time and energy. I must admit to you that the amount of uninterrupted time I was able to spend with God drastically changed when I got married. And recently with my new baby boy here, it has changed even more. I have really struggled lately with feelings of discouragement and shame over not being able to study, pray, and serve as I did when I was single with no children. But those feelings aren’t from God. He is the one that gave me my wonderful husband and child, so God knew all along that my devotion time would have to look different. And the good news is he isn’t upset with me about it at all. Isn’t that a freeing thought?
Although God knows that each one of us have circumstances that make our devotion time look different from one another…he also knows that it is vital that we do have a devotion time. Jesus says about the word of God that it is more important than the bread we eat, so that means that it is important that you and I do find ways to spend time with God. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 7 that all he wanted was for you to be able to develop a way of life in which you can spend plenty of time together with the Master without a lot of distractions. That’s God’s heart for each of us regardless of what season of life we are in. It has challenged me to become more creative in finding ways to be together with Jesus by cutting out all the things that are unnecessary. I challenge you to do the same. Paul puts it this way…
“I do want to point out, friends, that time is of the essence. There is no time to waste, so don't complicate your lives unnecessarily. Keep it simple —in marriage, grief, joy, whatever. Even in ordinary things—your daily routines of shopping, and so on. Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out.”
Let’s continue to encourage one another to keep life simple so that we don’t miss the precious times we could be spending with God.
xoxo
Justeina
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encouragement,
trials
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Right now we are going through the book of Ephesians at my church...and it has been amazing to study Paul's letter to the Church in Ephesus. But as much as I am learning from his letter, I can't help but think about the church itself.
We see Ephesus come on the scene in Acts 18 as Apollos enters the city and begins preaching in the synagogue. Soon Paul enters the city and people start receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The city of Ephesus was known as a center for magic and as the Gospel began to spread, many magicians were converted and their books burned.
Eventually so many people were converting to Christianity that the silversmith's in the pagan temples began to take notice that their businesses were suffering because people were no longer coming into the pagan temples to worship.
We can see in Acts 19 the impact the Gospel is having on Ephesus. So much of an impact that the socioeconomic climate of the city is changing. Now that's the way to come on the scene!
In the book of Epehsians, Paul is encouraging the church there in doctrine and unity. He is laying a firm foundation in theology in order for spiritual stability. He is seeing the fledgling church and is calling them to the nature and truth of God in teaching.
The last we see of the Church in Ephesus is in Revelations 2.17. Beginning in v. 4,
"But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent."
Obviously we can see that in Ephesus, the church has fallen away from a intimate love with God. They have the practices down and they are doing the deeds, but they have abandoned their first love.
I look at the journey of the Church in Ephesus and I am challenged. Here was a city that was so impacted by the Gospel that the pagan businesses, which flourished because of the demand there, were seeing significant loss. Here was a city where the whole climate of the city was changing because of the Gospel. But the last time we see Ephesus, God is calling them to repentance. The church that started out with a boom is having it's lampstand removed. I am saddened by this picture of having the lampstand removed.
My prayer is that we would all keep our love for God first. Through the years if we are not careful, we can see a gradual progression away from a intimate relationship with Him. We must be careful not to do so. There are seasons that are more difficult than others and we may have to work a bit harder at the relationship; that's only natural. But let us not have our lampstand removed because we have abandoned a passionate love relationship with God.
We see Ephesus come on the scene in Acts 18 as Apollos enters the city and begins preaching in the synagogue. Soon Paul enters the city and people start receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The city of Ephesus was known as a center for magic and as the Gospel began to spread, many magicians were converted and their books burned.
Eventually so many people were converting to Christianity that the silversmith's in the pagan temples began to take notice that their businesses were suffering because people were no longer coming into the pagan temples to worship.
We can see in Acts 19 the impact the Gospel is having on Ephesus. So much of an impact that the socioeconomic climate of the city is changing. Now that's the way to come on the scene!
In the book of Epehsians, Paul is encouraging the church there in doctrine and unity. He is laying a firm foundation in theology in order for spiritual stability. He is seeing the fledgling church and is calling them to the nature and truth of God in teaching.
The last we see of the Church in Ephesus is in Revelations 2.17. Beginning in v. 4,
"But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent."
Obviously we can see that in Ephesus, the church has fallen away from a intimate love with God. They have the practices down and they are doing the deeds, but they have abandoned their first love.
I look at the journey of the Church in Ephesus and I am challenged. Here was a city that was so impacted by the Gospel that the pagan businesses, which flourished because of the demand there, were seeing significant loss. Here was a city where the whole climate of the city was changing because of the Gospel. But the last time we see Ephesus, God is calling them to repentance. The church that started out with a boom is having it's lampstand removed. I am saddened by this picture of having the lampstand removed.
My prayer is that we would all keep our love for God first. Through the years if we are not careful, we can see a gradual progression away from a intimate relationship with Him. We must be careful not to do so. There are seasons that are more difficult than others and we may have to work a bit harder at the relationship; that's only natural. But let us not have our lampstand removed because we have abandoned a passionate love relationship with God.
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Hebrews 10:24-25 AMP
"Let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together as believers, as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching."
I am beginning to realize more and more how important it is to be surrounded by an intimate group of God fearing, God loving people. Let’s face it…life can be hard sometimes. We need others around us cheering us on to the finish line and correcting us when we stray off path. In fact Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to not forsake meeting together with other believers but to admonish: warn, urge, and encourage one another. It also says to consider how we can stir one another up. This verse is the one verse God gave me as we started True Identity Ministries over 2 ½ years ago. I knew God was calling this ministry to get creative in stirring up the women we minister to. Encouraging them in their gifts and urging them to step out and serve where God calls them. And many times warning and challenging them to get their lives lined up in obedience to God’s word. We have taken that call on our ministry from God very serious. It’s why we do events, blogs, devotionals, and write books.
Although our ministry can be an important resource for you in your walk with God; it can’t be the only one. The fact is that you need to be plugging yourself in with people that serve God right alongside of you. People that can spot the gifts and talents in you and become an encouragement to you. People that can warn you and hold you accountable when you begin to stray from God’s will for your life. If you are going to reap the full benefit of connecting with other believers in life, you are going to have to be willing to make your life more “see through”. To be willing to get real with some of the things you are dealing with. You are going to have to take off the mask.
I am not saying that you just open yourself up to just anyone. You need to pray and ask God to surround you with mature Christians full of experience and wisdom that love Him. You need to plug yourself into a bible believing, bible teaching church; one that has leadership that encourages you to seek God for yourself. Ask God to plug you into a small group of people that you can trust to encourage you and hold you accountable to his will in your life.
Question: Who ARE you doing life with? What I see all too often is new Christians (and old ones for that matter) that share their most intimate parts of their life with friends that aren’t even serving or loving God. Or if they are, they are completely content staying at the level they are currently at and not interested in growing further in their pursuit of God. I see Christian women that are confiding in their unbelieving family and coworkers for advice. Many times the advice doesn’t line up with God’s plan or will and it just leaves that sweet Christian even more confused. I am challenging you to take a hard look at the people you continue to surround yourself with. Are they driving you towards God? Or away from him?
If you and I are going to be able to run towards God with perseverance we are going to have to be surrounded by people running just as fast towards him. There is something very powerful when people get equally yoked up. You just might have to do some rearranging in your life. I am not saying you just drop all your old friends like a bad habit. I am saying that God may want to do some weeding. Removing the weeds in your life and planting healthy seeds in their place. I can promise you that as you get connected with others loving and serving Jesus, it will be a fresh breath helping to revive your walk with God. We love you and want to see you know and love your God even more. He really is worth it.
Hebrews 12:1-3 Message Bible
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
We love you so,
Justeina
"Let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities, Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together as believers, as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching."
I am beginning to realize more and more how important it is to be surrounded by an intimate group of God fearing, God loving people. Let’s face it…life can be hard sometimes. We need others around us cheering us on to the finish line and correcting us when we stray off path. In fact Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to not forsake meeting together with other believers but to admonish: warn, urge, and encourage one another. It also says to consider how we can stir one another up. This verse is the one verse God gave me as we started True Identity Ministries over 2 ½ years ago. I knew God was calling this ministry to get creative in stirring up the women we minister to. Encouraging them in their gifts and urging them to step out and serve where God calls them. And many times warning and challenging them to get their lives lined up in obedience to God’s word. We have taken that call on our ministry from God very serious. It’s why we do events, blogs, devotionals, and write books.
Although our ministry can be an important resource for you in your walk with God; it can’t be the only one. The fact is that you need to be plugging yourself in with people that serve God right alongside of you. People that can spot the gifts and talents in you and become an encouragement to you. People that can warn you and hold you accountable when you begin to stray from God’s will for your life. If you are going to reap the full benefit of connecting with other believers in life, you are going to have to be willing to make your life more “see through”. To be willing to get real with some of the things you are dealing with. You are going to have to take off the mask.
I am not saying that you just open yourself up to just anyone. You need to pray and ask God to surround you with mature Christians full of experience and wisdom that love Him. You need to plug yourself into a bible believing, bible teaching church; one that has leadership that encourages you to seek God for yourself. Ask God to plug you into a small group of people that you can trust to encourage you and hold you accountable to his will in your life.
Question: Who ARE you doing life with? What I see all too often is new Christians (and old ones for that matter) that share their most intimate parts of their life with friends that aren’t even serving or loving God. Or if they are, they are completely content staying at the level they are currently at and not interested in growing further in their pursuit of God. I see Christian women that are confiding in their unbelieving family and coworkers for advice. Many times the advice doesn’t line up with God’s plan or will and it just leaves that sweet Christian even more confused. I am challenging you to take a hard look at the people you continue to surround yourself with. Are they driving you towards God? Or away from him?
If you and I are going to be able to run towards God with perseverance we are going to have to be surrounded by people running just as fast towards him. There is something very powerful when people get equally yoked up. You just might have to do some rearranging in your life. I am not saying you just drop all your old friends like a bad habit. I am saying that God may want to do some weeding. Removing the weeds in your life and planting healthy seeds in their place. I can promise you that as you get connected with others loving and serving Jesus, it will be a fresh breath helping to revive your walk with God. We love you and want to see you know and love your God even more. He really is worth it.
Hebrews 12:1-3 Message Bible
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
We love you so,
Justeina
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trials
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As I wipe the sweat from my forehead and hit my knees in thanksgiving and amazement, I praise my awesome Father for the ride we have taken in the last month and all that it has taught me. I have faced some tough pressure recently from friends and family for my radical obedience to God. As I have been going through this trialing time, God has lead me to 1 Peter. I know God gave me this book at this time in my life because Peter was a radically changed man who took risks to follow and speak the truth to everyone he encountered.
1 Peter 1:6-8, 13-14
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. For you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls…13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy.”
I take this commitment I have made to the Lord very serious and have grown to really listen to His voice. When he speaks about preparing our minds for action and putting on the full amour of God, He truly means for us to do this. We need this equipment and this mind set if we are going to survive and receive His full blessing each day. The most awesome part of this relationship is the fact that He covers us with protection and wisdom. We only have to allow Him to speak louder than our emotions…that’s what I have learned most over the last month.
Emotions are the first thing that will rise up as soon as we feel pressure or persecution. As important as emotions are, they can also be very deceiving and damaging if we are constantly ruled by them and don’t keep them in context. We can’t allow our emotions to control our minds or actions. We have to choose to believe truth over what we may feel. When someone offends you, raises their voice, or misconstrues something you have done or said, you instinctually want to prove or explain yourself. In most cases this will just escalate the misunderstanding into a greater problem. And when we allow our emotions to steal our peace, we’ve just opened an unhealthy door for Satan to creep in. God wants us to be self-controlled enough that when we face any trial our instinct becomes to reach out to Him to receive peace and wisdom, and not our emotions.
As I walked through some tough relational times several months ago, God told me not to look to the left or right but only upward into His heart. For a time being, this was very difficult for me, and my emotions screamed for me to do otherwise. But as I held onto what God had instructed me to do, it became much easier and my emotions began to line up with God‘s plan. We must strive to not allow trials of any kind control us to the point of blurring Gods voice in our lives. If we choose to walk through these storms with the faith He asks us to, we will receive His goal, the salvations of our souls! We have to be so steadfast that only His love, His wisdom and His answers are what we long for.
Maranda Huntley
1 Peter 1:6-8, 13-14
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. For you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls…13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy.”
I take this commitment I have made to the Lord very serious and have grown to really listen to His voice. When he speaks about preparing our minds for action and putting on the full amour of God, He truly means for us to do this. We need this equipment and this mind set if we are going to survive and receive His full blessing each day. The most awesome part of this relationship is the fact that He covers us with protection and wisdom. We only have to allow Him to speak louder than our emotions…that’s what I have learned most over the last month.
Emotions are the first thing that will rise up as soon as we feel pressure or persecution. As important as emotions are, they can also be very deceiving and damaging if we are constantly ruled by them and don’t keep them in context. We can’t allow our emotions to control our minds or actions. We have to choose to believe truth over what we may feel. When someone offends you, raises their voice, or misconstrues something you have done or said, you instinctually want to prove or explain yourself. In most cases this will just escalate the misunderstanding into a greater problem. And when we allow our emotions to steal our peace, we’ve just opened an unhealthy door for Satan to creep in. God wants us to be self-controlled enough that when we face any trial our instinct becomes to reach out to Him to receive peace and wisdom, and not our emotions.
As I walked through some tough relational times several months ago, God told me not to look to the left or right but only upward into His heart. For a time being, this was very difficult for me, and my emotions screamed for me to do otherwise. But as I held onto what God had instructed me to do, it became much easier and my emotions began to line up with God‘s plan. We must strive to not allow trials of any kind control us to the point of blurring Gods voice in our lives. If we choose to walk through these storms with the faith He asks us to, we will receive His goal, the salvations of our souls! We have to be so steadfast that only His love, His wisdom and His answers are what we long for.
Maranda Huntley
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trials
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My son turned 1 just this week. It was a very exciting time. As I thought back over the past year I thought about all the times I had the thought that "this is never going to get better". All of the nights we were up 5 to 6 times, all of the times I had to spend the whole day holding him, all of the times he would scream and scream with no solution in sight, seemed like they would never improve. After a year we still have some tough nights and screaming fits and full days of him being attached to my hip, but it has certainly gotten easier. The thing is that while you are right in the middle of a certain season; especially a hard one, you feel like it's never going to end. You feel as though you will never find a solution or relief.
The truth is that season too shall pass. Scripture tells us that there is a time for every season. In Ecclesiastes 3:1 it says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." The season you may find yourself in may have taken you by surprise but it didn't take God by surprise and he has much purpose for you in that specific season. God has taught me many lessons and revealed alot to me about myself through my latest season of raising my infant son. What I find is that so often we are constantly wishing away the season and ready to move forward rather than learning from and enjoying where we are at the time.
If you are single you probably know exactly what I am talking about. I can remember as a single feeling like my single season would never end. I just couldn't wait to be married and I felt like my life wouldn't be complete until I was finally out of my single season and into my married one. I can tell you that now I look back and realize what a sweet season of life my single season really was. I had plenty of free time to spend studying God's word and serving in my church and community. If I didn't feel like cleaning house or doing laundry I didn't. I could be very spontaneous with traveling and meeting up with friends. My single season as it ends up was one of the sweetest seasons I have ever experienced with Jesus.
That doesn't mean I am not enjoying my married season. I love my husband and my family. I have a blast with them and it too is a sweet season of it's own. My point is that if we aren't careful we will continue to rush our way through a season that God has amazing things stored up for us in. Potentially we could miss all that God wants to teach us and bless us with simply because we are in a hurry to move forward to the next season in life. If God has something for me I don't want to miss out on it.
Even today this is a good reminder for me. I find myself frequently saying "I can't wait until __________." Now as I say that sentence I try to catch myself and instead say, "What I enjoy about now is __________." It's a good reminder of the things that God has for me in the here and now. I want to encourage you today, don't wish away the season you are in. Ask God to show you and teach you all he has for you in that season. I can assure you that what you learn right now in the season you find yourself will equip you for the season that is coming. And to be sure there is always a new season coming. If you find yourself in a hard season just know that this too shall pass, so spend much time with Jesus learning what you can from him. If you find yourself in a sweet season also remember that this too shall pass, so spend much time with Jesus enjoying all he has for you. We love you at TIM and are praying for you in whatever season of life you are in.
The truth is that season too shall pass. Scripture tells us that there is a time for every season. In Ecclesiastes 3:1 it says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." The season you may find yourself in may have taken you by surprise but it didn't take God by surprise and he has much purpose for you in that specific season. God has taught me many lessons and revealed alot to me about myself through my latest season of raising my infant son. What I find is that so often we are constantly wishing away the season and ready to move forward rather than learning from and enjoying where we are at the time.
If you are single you probably know exactly what I am talking about. I can remember as a single feeling like my single season would never end. I just couldn't wait to be married and I felt like my life wouldn't be complete until I was finally out of my single season and into my married one. I can tell you that now I look back and realize what a sweet season of life my single season really was. I had plenty of free time to spend studying God's word and serving in my church and community. If I didn't feel like cleaning house or doing laundry I didn't. I could be very spontaneous with traveling and meeting up with friends. My single season as it ends up was one of the sweetest seasons I have ever experienced with Jesus.
That doesn't mean I am not enjoying my married season. I love my husband and my family. I have a blast with them and it too is a sweet season of it's own. My point is that if we aren't careful we will continue to rush our way through a season that God has amazing things stored up for us in. Potentially we could miss all that God wants to teach us and bless us with simply because we are in a hurry to move forward to the next season in life. If God has something for me I don't want to miss out on it.
Even today this is a good reminder for me. I find myself frequently saying "I can't wait until __________." Now as I say that sentence I try to catch myself and instead say, "What I enjoy about now is __________." It's a good reminder of the things that God has for me in the here and now. I want to encourage you today, don't wish away the season you are in. Ask God to show you and teach you all he has for you in that season. I can assure you that what you learn right now in the season you find yourself will equip you for the season that is coming. And to be sure there is always a new season coming. If you find yourself in a hard season just know that this too shall pass, so spend much time with Jesus learning what you can from him. If you find yourself in a sweet season also remember that this too shall pass, so spend much time with Jesus enjoying all he has for you. We love you at TIM and are praying for you in whatever season of life you are in.
Category:
encouragement,
singles,
trials
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