God Meets Us Where We Are

After a long day at work and an evening with the kids I decided to take a bath tonight. As I got in the tub I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. My mind was spinning fast about numerous things. It is amazing to me how God meets us where we are...even in the bath tub!! I had some quiet time and some prayer time. I even think a few tears fell into the water. As I was getting out of the bath I didn't feel like the weight was as heavy as when I got in. I was sharing the load with Him.


Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail). Psalm 55:22 (AMP)

Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. 1 Peter 5:7 (AMP)

Mercy And Grace

16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16 (New International Version)

Being Tested

I come before God (flaws and all) and tell Him of my anger, confusion, fear, and disappointment. Someone I love is hurting and their dreams are being shattered. It is so hard to trust that good will rise from this. It is in these moments that my faith is tested.

I Needed To Hear This Today...

1 Corinthians 10:13 (The Message)

13No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.

Trust In The Lord

Thus says the Lord:

"Cursed is the man who trusts in man
and makes flesh his strength,
whose heart turns away from the Lord.
He is like a shrub in the desert,
and shall not see any good come.
He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness,
in an uninhabited salt land.

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remains green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit."

-Jeremiah 17: 5-8

Faith

Being a stay-at-home mom is not an option for me. We need both of our incomes to make our situation work. I only work three days a week which usually works well for us. Yesterday was one of those days I wished I didn't work outside of the home and could be there for my kids.

The school called Stacey and let him know that Makenna was in pain. He called me at work for advice on what to do for her. I wanted to run to her at that moment! I wanted to be there to hug her and help her pain any way I could.

I was at work and just had a good start on a long 12 hour shift. I knew Stacey was taking her medicine and she would be able to get some relief. I did the only thing I could do for Makenna at that moment... I prayed for her and asked God to take some of her pain away. She was still on my mind all day but I had some peace trusting that God would help her through the day.

I learned just how big my faith is. I was able to put one of the most important people in my life in His hands to help and protect. Sometimes my faith doesn't seem big enough or I start to doubt things. I guess when it really counts I do have enough faith to see me through.

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong

God said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor 12.9-10)

Hope

1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we[c] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:1-5

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you. Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. {1 Pet 5:6-10 RSV}

Prayer For The Day

Prayer for the Day:

Dear Lord,
So far today,
God, I've done alright.
I haven't gossiped,
haven't lost my temper,
haven't been greedy,
grumpy, nasty, selfish,
or over-indulgent.
But in a few minutes, God,
I'm going to get out of bed, and
from then on I'm probably going
to need a lot more help.

Thank You. Amen
-Author Unknown

Is Your Hut Burning?

Is Your Hut Burning?

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and everyday he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried.

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.

It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground --- it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.

-Author Unknown

God Answers Our Struggles

God Answers Our Struggles

You say: "It's impossible." God says: All things are possible.

(Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired." God says: I will give you rest.

(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me." God says:I love you.

(John 3:16,34)

You say: "I can't go on." God says: My grace is sufficient.

(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out." God says: I will direct your steps.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it." God says: You can do all things.

(Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able." God says: I am able.

(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it." God says: It will be worth it.

(Romans 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself." God says: I FORGIVE YOU!

(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage." God says: I will supply all your needs.

(Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid." God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear.

(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated." God says: Cast all your cares on ME.

(I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I don't have enough faith." God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith.
(Romans 12:3)

You say: "I'm not smart enough." God says: I give you wisdom.
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone." God says: I will never leave you or forsake you.

(Hebrews 13:5)

Daily Devotional

I have decided that I want to find a daily devotional to work through. It is hard for me to set time aside for God in my daily schedule. I hope that if I get into the routine of devotions each day that it would be easier to have time with Him. I know it is already the 4th of January so I am already behind but I figure I could catch up if I need to. The problem is... I don't know what kind I should use. Should I use one on the computer or one on paper that I can write in? Should I use one that covers the whole bible or just different topics on a different day? Any suggestions??

The Lord Protects...

Psalm 116:6-9, "The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the land of the living."

Encouragement

There are times when I am weary. I have found encouragement in these verses:


Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22

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 a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

The Lord is my Light and my Salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song. Psalm 28:7

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. Psalm 29:11

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me. John 14:1

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way an the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:1-3

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:11

I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3

Give It All

Sunday in church we were asked to give over the areas in our lives that we were keeping from God. This week I am trying to do that. I am finding strength in Him...


Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:13a,14)

My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. (Psalm 61:1-4)

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)

Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation. (Psalm 91:14-16)

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:2-5)

When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted. (Psalm 138:3)

Trust And Believe

I read the following here: http://www.allaboutlifechallenges.org/Why-Me-God.htm

When we choose to believe that ALL the events in our life are good for us, even the ones that seem frustrating and painful for now, we are agreeing with God! When we choose to believe and trust God that there will always be a good outcome, we are trusting Him! Only God knows why we are going through these circumstances. Our new dialogue with God will be, "God, this is going to be an interesting journey. I'm excited to see how you are going to bring good out of this one. I trust you will!"


...I needed to hear that today and am trying to trust Him. Just thought I would share.