February Bound

He proved he's on my side; I've thrown my lot in with him. Now I'm jumping for joy, and shouting and singing my thanks to him. Psalms 28:7

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:34 

The month of January is now coming to an end. I can't believe how fast time has flown and how much I've learned in the past month - about life and about myself.

Throughout this month we have discussed trusting God and allowing Him to be the guide of your life. Take the plunge and let Him lead you and trust all His ways.

I love the Bible verses that are affiliated with today's devotion. There is so much hope and promise within their words and I find so much comfort in them, especially Matthew 6:34. I love the way "The Message Bible" words this text. I tend to "look ahead" and worry about the future and I know that I need to focus on now, and on today, instead of what is "going to" happen. God promises that He has given me things that I can handle and that He will be there, with me, every step of the way.

Change your focus today! Let's walk into February with this one thing checked-off our list [x] Trust God.

I come to you in trust. I'm proud to praise God; fearless now, I trust in God. What can mere mortals do? Psalms 56:3-4

Yes. I'll stay with you, I'll protect you wherever you go, and I'll bring you back to this very ground. I'll stick with you until I've done everything I promised you. Genesis 28:15 

No Other Gods

Unfazed by rumor and gossip, Heart ready, trusting in God. Psalm 112:7

We all know that no man can serve two masters. The Bible clearly tells us that our heart will love one over the other and, therefore, one of them wins out and becomes greater than the other. I know that I am trying my best to make God my only treasure and so that He will be first in my life. Well, by human default, at times this changes. Even though I'm not trying to have other idols, other idols happen and can take over the "first seat" easily.

Sometimes when we aren't paying attention other idols can sneak in and become what we are "worshipping" instead of Christ. I'm not even talking about TV, books, music, or other idols that some of us might have; I'm talking about worry, stress, anxiety. These seem to creep in and consume our lives for the time being. Whatever is on your mind the most is what you are "worshipping". It has become your idol.

Instead of allowing these other idols to take first place, adjust your mind on greater things - such as Christ. Think of Him and how He can take away your worries, pain, and stress. Think on Him and know that He will consume your heart and mind and push out all other things.

When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good. 1 Corinthians 13:11

He's Still Working on Me

In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world. John 16:33

God promises to stick with us through thick and thin, not to take away all suffering and trials.

Besides, when I look around this world, I tend to see more God in the moments where troubles and trials exist. It is tragic that we wait until we are stranded in an unknown circumstance to call on God. I know that these moments are essential to our walk with God because they strengthen our relationship with Him, but I just wish that we would learn our lesson and continue walking steady with God at all other times as well.

I've been struggling the past couple weeks with personal situations in my life. I try so hard to handle these feelings on my own and figure them out my way. I seem to forget how to ask God to take small burdens from me when I think they are small enough for me to handle. I do this all the time and I can't seem to learn my lesson! I want God to take all my worries and fears and give me peace. I am asking Him this morning to continue working on me!

The other morning I began singing a familiar child song that I learned when I was little.

He's still working on me, to make me what I ought to be. It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars, the sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and patient He must be, for He's still working on me. 

There really ought to be a sign upon my heart, "Don't judge me yet there's an unfinished part". But I'll be perfect just according to His plan, I'm fashioned by the Master's loving hand.  

I can't help but tear up when I sing this little song. The truth behind it is so important and I know that God is continuing His work in me and He will get me to that point where I can run to Him at any time; even when the problems seem small.

Sunrise breaks through the darkness for good people—God's grace and mercy and justice! Unfazed by rumor and gossip, Heart ready, trusting in God, Spirit firm, unperturbed. Psalms 112:4, 7

From the Inside Out

Let's take our place outside with Jesus, no longer pouring out the sacrificial blood of animals but pouring out sacrificial praises from our lips to God in Jesus' name. Hebrews 13:15

And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. 2 Corinthians 3:18 

God is working on us every day and is transforming us to be like Him.

There are plenty of promises in the Bible that reassure us that God is constantly creating us and that He will never give up on us. Let us allow Him to continue His work in us by giving him complete control over our lives and allowing Him to take us by the hand and lead us where we need to go.

Here is a song that perfectly fit today's devotion. Just click on the link and take a listen!
From the Inside Out - Hillsong

I'm still in your presence,but you've taken my hand. You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me. Psalms 73:23-24

Experiencing Peace

...a jewel merchant on the hunt for excellent pearls. Finding one that is flawless, he immediately sells everything and buys it. Matthew 13:46

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. James 1:2 

This morning I was reminded that peace is a gift from God and we must go through trials and hardships to really receive this wonderful gift.

In our world, peace is when everything is going your way. You almost think that you can handle everything on your own, and sadly a lot of people of this world think that they are doing it alone. But God has this perfect peace that He bought with a price for us to experience. This peace is only attainable when we realize that we can't do it alone and we rely on God for our troubles. It is then we finally get to experience His wonderful peace.

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. John 16:33 

Human

"Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you." Deuteronomy 31:6

Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in. 1 Peter 3:4

God knows just how human we are; Jesus even understands and can empathize with us of how it feels and what it means to be human.

We are bound to make mistakes and do the "human thing" and God has loved us through it all! Go to God as you are, human and broken, and let God transform you to something great. He knows your past and your future and He still loves every bit of you!

It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.
If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

My grace is enough; it's all you need.My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Start with One Step

The ancient God is home on a foundation of everlasting arms. He drove out the enemy before you and commanded, "Destroy!" Deuteronomy 33:27

Happy Sabbath! 


Today is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad!!!


Yesterday I realized that I'm a big work in progress. I knew that I still needed work, but yesterday was just the reality check that I really have a lot more to learn about life and about who I am!


One thing I learned was that no matter how confident I am, I'm still scared to death of certain things and I'm still learning how to use the confidence in a good way. 


God promises us that we can put one foot in front of the other and trust that He will catch us when we fall. The problem is putting one foot in front of the other though. Sometimes we need to go out on a limb to know that it's okay and safe to do. Just like the above bible verse from Deuteronomy promises us, God's arms are everlasting and big enough to catch us no matter how hard we fall. 

I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. Romans 8:39

Downfall

"For as the sky soars high above earth, so the way I work surpasses the way you work, and the way I think is beyond the way you think. Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don't go back until they've watered the earth doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, so will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed. They'll do the work I sent them to do, they'll complete the assignment I gave them. Isaiah 55:9-11

I had a bit of a relapse last night with my worrying disease. I wasn't necessarily "worrying" about things in my life, just complaining and not being thankful to God for what He has blessed me with. Let's just say I was being a complete grouch and was having a mini pity-party for myself.

Well, like he always seems to do, my hubby brought me to my senses and helped me realize that there were some things that I was doing, or wasn't doing, in my situation that could help improve it. It reminded me of how we have to actually do what God is telling us for it to be possible. God can't force anything on us and we need to do our part as well.

Anyways, that was a little taste of my evening. This morning's devotion was another perspective on things for me, and something I needed to read due to my "events" last night. This morning God reminded me that He is Boss! He is making our path and we are to trust Him in all steps.

Let's just say that my "steps" right now aren't ones I prefer to take, but this morning I was reminded that sometimes the different path is for a good reason. When our days go as planned, all is well and no damage done. When our days don't go like we thought they would, be on the lookout for God! He is doing something in your life that is of importance and necessity.

God says, "don't try and figure out why!" This is something I struggle with...I want to know why and I try and come up with many theories for the "what and why". God reminded me this morning to "just let it be and trust me". Well, I'm trying! Just like God took away my worry, I know He'll take away my anticipation and the need for control. I praise Him for the path He's taking me down, knowing that He has a reason for it and it's important for me!

I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11 

Let the Worry Go

When my heart whispered, "Seek God," my whole being replied, "I'm seeking him!" Psalms 27:8

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. Philippians 4:6,7 

I love this 2nd Bible verse and how it discusses how to change worry into prayer and conversations with God. The Bible does remind us that worrying is unnecessary, but it is bound to happen. So, when it does, let your worries turn into prayers to God about the situation and your concerns. Take them and give them to God to have. Let His presence take over the worry in your heart and He will fill you with peace.

I know this is easier said than done, but coming from someone who once worried the majority of her life, know that it works! It will happen in small steps, but it will happen. Start with giving God all the small things (they are easier to give up at first). Sooner or later you'll be giving God everything and worry has taken a back seat in your life! Remember that God is always with you and He is ready to be handed over the heave loads of your life. Seek His face always and know that He is with you constantly.

"When you come looking for me, you'll find me. "Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." Jeremiah 29:13

[x] Trust God

And then he commanded, "Follow me." John 21:19b

How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace.There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:17 

We've been talking a lot about trust and following God in our every day lives. I know its hard to do, but little by little I can see myself trusting God in the small things and not worrying about every little mundane thing there is to worry about.

The bottom line is that God has carefully planned out each moment of our lives. He knows what events have occurred, and why, and he also knows what is to come. He patiently walks with us, ready to catch us and support us when necessary. He also waits excitedly for the moments that He's planned for us that will make us jump into His arms with thrill and delight!

There are things in my life that, a few months ago, I would have gone crazy over. I would be tearing myself up inside for answers and solutions and basically losing it. I have to say that I've come a long way, or, let me rephrase, God has brought me a long way. There has been so many bumps and scary cliffs in my life recently, but God has proven to me that He has it under control. He is showing me the way step by step. He is guiding me through this life and I would have it no other way!

There may be scary times ahead. Finances are going to get tight (we found out we have to get a new car), answers may not be here for the future but I am praising God for the answers He is already sending to me! There are beams of light coming through the cracks and I can see it! I'm not afraid and I'm not worried! I say, "bring it on"! I have God on my side and He already knows the answers!

Though the cherry trees don't blossom and the strawberries don't ripen,Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted,Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty,I'm singing joyful praise to God. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.Counting on God's Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength.I run like a deer. I feel like I'm king of the mountain! Habakkuk 3:19 

Celebrating Today

This is the very day God acted—let's celebrate and be festive! Psalm 118:24

I think if I acted like every day was a party, or event, I might enjoy my days a little more!

I'm always looking forward to something. Whether it's my hubby's birthday next month, or dinner with family this Friday evening, or seeing a bestie on Sunday; it's always something! I tend to dwell on the events coming up in my life to get me through the mundane weekdays.

God reminds us in His word that today is His day! He tells us to rejoice, have a party, celebrate it! If I keep this mindset all day, I may just have a blast!

God wants us to live in the moment with Him and to trust that He is doing all good things in our lives. If we are looking forward to the future, always, we miss the present blessings He is providing.

You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Philippians 4:19

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. Philippians 4:6,7 

Shed that "Pretend"

But God told Samuel, "Looks aren't everything. Don't be impressed with his looks and stature. I've already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

It doesn't matter how many good impression you've made, piles of make-up you put on your face, fancy clothes you wear, or even the smile you place on your face. It doesn't matter how many friends you have or what kind of job you hold. All that matters is the heart that's inside you. Is it kind, loving, sincere, humble?

All of these things are what God looks for in a person. We all can answer for ourselves, "Are we a good person?" I know that we all know that answer and we can decide if we need to change accordingly, or not.

God knows us inside out. He understands us completely and wants us to be able to shed all lies and come to Him with an open mind and heart.  Sometimes we are so comfortable having a guard up and walls built for there people, we forget to come to God in full honesty and purity. We pretend in front of God as well and He can see right through it.

Try shedding that layer of "pretend". Come to God as yourself and let Him work from scratch with your life. Besides, if you come to Him with layers of pretend, He'll have to dig through those before He can work with who you really are.

I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. Romans 8:38-39

Off the Beaten Path-He Won't Let Go

This is the very day God acted—let's celebrate and be festive! Psalm 118:24

Once we completely understand that God has gone before us and know he map to our days, we can now follow Him whole-hearted into the great unknown!

Think of like as an adventure and know that God is always with us holding out hand and guiding us through it all.

Let me ask you something. Let's say you are on a hike with a trained professional rock climber, hiker, mountain dude (whatever mountainy thing there is...he's a pro at it).  Every turn you take you don't even question because you know he knows what he's doing, right? Being on the trail is easy and he is taking the time to tell you about all the plants and berries and such. Life, and the hike, seem nice and easy and everything is beautiful.

He decides to take you off the path to show you some other things and you go! I know that I sure wouldn't question him - he's the professional!  Off the beaten path is still beautiful and you are learning things that you never knew before. He's an expert and he knows everything about all that there is and you are so thankful that he is guiding you!

So that seems pretty nice, right? We wouldn't question a professional hiker if he decides to take us off what we thought was the path...it's just his path and he knows it like the back of his hand. Just like God knows our lives and our journeys.

Well, let's make it a little tougher. Let's say this professional hiker decides to take us through some treacherous canyons and cliffs. Now its getting a little scary! He decides that the other ways won't allow us to see the beauty he really wants to show us. We'd never see it from the trail. He decides that, although none of us are trained, we can all go through this with his help. Would you turn around? Would you say you wanted to turn back and try to find the trail on your own?

As much as I would like to find the train on my own, I know I never would. I know that I'd be lost and the same professional that was trying to help me through some tough and treacherous paths would probably be the one to come and find me. He does know this place like the back of his hand. I'm sure the majority of us would decide to stay with this professional and let him guide us through the tough and scary places. Besides, it is better to have him holding our hand through the tough times!

I think you get the point. God will never leave you. He may take you through unexpected things, sometimes scary situations, but He is always there guiding you! He won't let go!

This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step. 1 Peter 2:21

Let Him Lead You

God said, "My presence will go with you. I'll see the journey to the end." Exodus 33:14

When you think about it, God knows exactly how your day is going to play out today. He already know the bombs and bruises along the path and He knows the moments worth remembering and the ones that will draw you closer to Him. God knows it all already!

God promises that He will walk with us and continue this journey with us. He says that He will light our paths and show us the way. It is up to us to stay completely connected with Him throughout our days and to communicate with Him.

I don't know about you, but I have a had time continually praying to God. I seem to forget about the communication when a problem arises or something doesn't go my way. I don't stop and ask God for His guidance until later and I seem to think for the time being that I'm alone. I want to totally be in communication with God. I want to remember, every time, that God is right there for me to say, "God, I need you help" or, "God, this isn't how I thought it was going to go, please lead me back to the right path".

God has the map. He know which way to turn and where the valleys and hills are.  He can lead us to a place of rest and will hold our hand every step of the way. It is up to us to remember to let Him.

"Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me."I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. John 15:4-7

The Answers are Coming

Attention, all! See the marvels of God! He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, Bans war from pole to pole, breaks all the weapons across his knee. "Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything." Psalm 46:10

Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. Colossians 4:2

Sometimes it's not so easy to fathom and understand God. A lot of times we don't even go there and we tend to not question or think to hard about it because it boggles our minds to do so.

This week we have talked a lot about trusting God and laying our burdens at His feet. This is a tough thing to do, especially when the burdens are quite heavy, but practicing it with the small things of life prepare us for the larger things and more heavy burdens.

We've also talked a bit about asking God things without doubting it. This is also a very hard thing to do. I'm not sure if it's our human instinct, to doubt that is, or if it's our defense mechanism. Either way, we tend to doubt God's abilities as we are asking Him for something. Instead of this, why not ask Him for things, and as you do, thank Him for the answers that are already on their way. This is an easy way to push the doubt out and practice trusting God.

I challenge you to praise God for the "on the way" answers. Don't let the doubt creep in.

Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust. 2 Peter 1:3-4

Trusts and Interest

When I get really afraid I come to you in trust. I'm proud to praise God; fearless now, I trust in God. What can mere mortals do? Psalm 56:3-4

My devotional today was about trusting God and storing up "treasures" in heaven with Him.

The Bible does tell us to store our treasures in heaven. A way I never thought about it was that every time we trust God we are storing up a treasure.

Think of it like this. Every time we trust God we store a chunk of money in heaven - the bank. The bigger the circumstances we are trusting God for, the bigger the chunk of treasure. Then, overtime, the treasures begin to stock up and interest is collected. So, in a crises, or a big circumstances that requires trust in God, we have the practice and confidence that we are prepared for it!

Okay, so its not the perfect analogy, but it works. The point being that when we trust God in the small things, the big things are much easier to go through. Practice trusting God in the mundane things. Ask Him to help you find your keys, trust Him on your way to work, and work on letting Him guide your life.

Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. Matthew 6:20-21

Waiting on God

So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? Romans 8:31

God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in seastorm and earthquake, Before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains. Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, God-of-Angel-Armies protects us. Psalm 46:1-3 

Most of us understand that God is with us and leading us. We have heard all about asking God to meet our needs, "ask and it shall be given", and we've been told that God will, "never leave us, nor forsake us". This is no new information and most of us really understand this concept.

The thing we don't seem to get is that God's timing is perfect timing. I have struggled with this many times and am still learning this idea.

A lot of times we as for things and seek God in prayer about worries, wants and needs. We then wait upon the Lord for the answers to come when we need them to come. The problem is that we can't call the shots about "when" they need to come. God's timing is perfect and we, especially me, need to understand this and realize that when we "wait upon the Lord" we are to be waiting patiently and faithfully.

Nothing, you see, is impossible with God. Luke 1:37

Thank You, God

And you! Are you indifferent, above it all, leaning back on the cushions of Israel's praise? Psalm 22:3

Hallelujah! O my soul, praise God! All my life long I'll praise God, singing songs to my God as long as I live. Psalm 146

 God can never be praised and thanked too much! On a minute basis, He's probably under-thanked immensely.

There is so much to be thankful for and to praise God for. Our blessings can, and will, come in many shapes and sizes. It is important for us to identify and recognize these blessings and give God all the glory!

On this beautiful Sabbath day I want to thank God for all the blessings in my life! Here are a few that stand out this morning:

• Sunshine on a crisp morning
• Beautiful, yellow lemons growing right in our backyard - reminds me of how deep and intimate God's hand it in our lives!
• Friends and family - Big sister is coming for a visit, lunch with little sister and her hubby and some very best besties coming as well! So excited!
• Energy to enjoy this pleasant Sabbath Day!

There are always things to be thankful for! Let us find them and remember to thank God for all of them!

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

God Can Do All Things

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Ephesians 3:20-21

Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Romans 8:6 

A lot of times we ask God for something and we doubt it in our own minds as we are asking. An example of this:
 We all should know that God is capable of all things. Even the smallest things like helping us to find our keys in the mornings. However, when we ask God, at least when I ask God, for a favor our human instinct is to doubt Him.

I'm not quite sure why it is in us to doubt, but we all do it at times. God has told us how mighty and great He is and we still can't seem to understand. When asking for something, really believe it! Know that He can and will provide and trust Him!

My hubby is reading "The Desire of Ages" and he was telling me about the "behind the scenes" when Jesus was healing the Centurion's son. The Centurion went to Jesus, asked Him to heal his son and just believed! He had to travel home a long way to get back to his son to see if the job was done. He even made a few stops a long the way which showed is major trust in God. When he got home, sure enough, his son was healed! This is the kind of faith and trust we need in God today. When we ask, it isn't about whether or not God will. It's quite contrary to that; it should be I know God will and I'll wait for Him to do so!

God is always at work! Just remember that sometimes the waiting period is also Him working in us!

For even young people tire and drop out,young folk in their prime stumble and fall.But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind. Isaiah 40:30-31

Then I heard every creature in Heaven and earth, in underworld and sea, join in, all voices in all places, singing: To the One on the Throne! To the Lamb! The blessing, the honor, the glory, the strength, For age after age after age. Revelation 5:13

Deepening Your Dependence

Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath. Psalm 34:17-18

Becoming dependent on God is not an easy thing to do. There will be trial, problems, moments where you want to give up; sounds a lot like life. The difference is you always have Him there to help you, save you, pick you up.

Living a life dependent on God is a scary thing to do. It means that you are willing to give up all your selfish wants and desires and solely rely on God for His wisdom and guidance. He is your creator, He knows your deepest wants and needs. Trust Him and He will bring the desire of your heart to be. If we depend on Him we will be completely satisfied and have a friend beside us at all times.

Sounds like a "win, win" to me!

It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going. 2 Corinthians 5:7

Can You Fathom His Might?

So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory. In your generous love I am really living at last! My lips brim praises like fountains. I bless you every time I take a breath; My arms wave like banners of praise to you. Psalm 63:2-4

Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you're there! If I go underground, you're there! If I flew on morning's wings to the far western horizon,    You'd find me in a minute—you're already there waiting! Psalm 139:7-10  

God is big! God is powerful! God is mighty! 

Have you ever really stopped to think about it? Try and comprehend it for a moment? Why are we still afraid of this world?!? God wants us to trust Him. If there is anything that New Year's resolutions and goals for the year should narrow down to it is this - learn to trust God in everything!

This seems easy to do, especially if right now there is nothing major to trust God with, but it is a very hard thing to do! It takes amazing effort to trust and no effort at all to be a wimp and worry.

Let us all strengthen our trust in God and lift each other up and encourager each other! This is the year to start trusting God and time to really understand God's strength and might!

Look at him! God, the Master, comes in power, ready to go into action. He is going to pay back his enemies and reward those who have loved him. Like a shepherd, he will care for his flock, gathering the lambs in his arms, Hugging them as he carries them, leading the nursing ewes to good pasture. Isaiah 40:10-11

Cast All your Burdens on Him

What a stack of blessing you have piled up       for those who worship you,    Ready and waiting for all who run to you       to escape an unkind world.    You hide them safely away       from the opposition.    As you slam the door on those oily, mocking faces,       you silence the poisonous gossip. Psalm 31:19-20

God is your companion in life. He goes before you in everything you do and then he walks with you through it all.

Sometimes the weight of this world is so heavy and trying to trust God is a hard thing to do, but God has promised that He will protect us and the He has already fought the fight and nothing can keep us from His love and safety.

God wants to carry our burdens. He wants us to not worry about things and to rely on Him for answers and for peace. Next time you are struggling, go ahead and sing the simple song, "I Cast All my Cares Upon You"it helps me every time!

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." John 16:33

Giving Completely

Keep your eyes open for God, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence. Psalm 105:4

Many times I find myself rushing through things that are important and giving my fuller attention on the things that don't. Why do we tend to do this? Why is it that we pour more care and worry into things that don't matter?

God wants us to come to Him and renew our mind and spirit and give him full attention. He promises that if we come to Him we will not be disappointed or sorry we did.

In the new year I want to put God first. Not just say it, but really try and accomplish it in my life. I will seek Him first and I will challenge myself to really soak up His light and His presence. I want to fully commit my time to Him and not be distracted by the things I have left to do or begin. I want to turn over everything to His will.

A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. "Master, don't you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand."The Master said, "Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her." Luke 10:39-42

A New Journey: Welcome 2012

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Romans 12:1-2

God sees us all for who we really are. He sees us as fearfully and wonderfully made and loves us unconditionally.

This year I challenge you to begin with giving everything to God. Offer yourself to Him fully and become vulnerable and ready to be transformed into something great. God has a plan for you. He wants to lead you somewhere amazing this year and He wants to go there with you! Will you let Him?

I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11