Questions and Reassurance

By your words I can see where I'm going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. Psalms 119:105

Sometimes I question if I'm at the right place in my life - do I have the right job, taking the right classes, saving enough money, etc. In today's devotion I was reassured that I am on the right path and I don't need to question it. God has a plan for me and, at this point in my life, I am where I'm supposed to be.

God promises that He will never leave us. That if we follow Him and trust Him we will be led in the right direction. There are always going to be questions and doubts, but I know that trusting Jesus is the best answer and we must learn to follow Him without resistance.

My life has been jolted and pulled in many directions lately. I know that God has a plan for me and all these moments are making me into a better person. One that is more equipped for the next set of plans He has in store for me!

Jesus said, "If I want him to live until I come again, what's that to you? You—follow me." John 21:22

God is the Changer

Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don't condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you'll find life a lot easier. Luke 6:37

This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. John 3:16-17 

We are our own worst critics. We tend to pick on ourselves the most and try to fix the things that we see wrong. The problem is we are finding these "wrongs" by comparing ourselves to others. This is a problem. God did not intend for our lives to be compared to one another. He intended for each and every one of us to have a unique and special life.  When we compare ourselves to others we are not following God's plan for us.

Now, I'm not saying that we should never critique ourselves and never try changing for the better. I'm talking about the things that change our being and character. This is what God intended to be unique and it is not our task to try and change or fix ourselves.

There are also those other lovely people in the world that find it their task to critique others. They think that they have the authority to fix and change what they don't see fit and that is not following God's purpose either. The only one who has the ability and right to change is God. He sees the purpose of everything and it is in Him that we will find our perfection.

I will sing for joy in God, explode in praise from deep in my soul! He dressed me up in a suit of salvation, he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jeweled tiara. Isaiah 61:10

But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction. It's the child he loves that God corrects; a father's delight is behind all this. Proverbs 3:11-12

A Poem for Comfort

I'm still in your presence, but you've taken my hand. Psalm 73:23

God promises that He will always go with us and be holding our hand though it all. I'm sure that most people have heard the poem, "Footprints in the Sand" but I wanted to share it with everyone. This poem is a great reminder of God's love, mercy, and promises. He will never leave us!

Footprints in the Sand

By: Carolyn Joyce Carty

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.

Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.

He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.

He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:

"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied:

"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,

it was then that I carried you." 

No 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. 1 Corinthians 10:13

His Love

We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! 

1 Corinthians 13:12

 God's love is so great for us that if we could comprehend it right now we would be too overwhelmed.

To me, this reality is hard to comprehend in itself but I believe it. I know that God loves us so much and He has capabilities far above us when it comes to loving unconditionally. There will come a day when we will not only get the chance to understand God's love but also experience love that great for ourselves.

Today we are beginning our weekend of saying goodbye to a very special person in my hubby's life. His grandmother passed away on Monday. This weekend will be a time of love and memories, tears and hope for the future. God promises that our loved ones will fall asleep in Him and one day will meet up with us in heaven. I can not wait for that day to come when I can see the loved ones who have gone before us. Missing them is hard, but knowing that they are asleep in Jesus is such an amazing hope that we have.

Your thoughts and prayers are envied this weekend as we say our goodbyes.

And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19

Strong Enough

Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God.Delighted, they dance all day long; they know who you are, what you do—they can't keep it quiet! Psalms 89:15-16

Praising God for the struggles n life is a hard thing to do. However, once you learn how to do it the struggles in life don't seem quite so bad.

Okay, so I'm not being a complainer, but my life has not been easy lately. This weekend only added to the struggles in my life and I found myself more at peace than before the weekend began. I'm not quite sure if hitting rock bottom was already achieved so I could only go "up" from there; or maybe the rock bottom gave me a source of hope and I was re-inspired to come up.

I'm not quite sure how it happened, but I feel better. I feel rejuvenated and at peace. I know God is with me and I know that He has plans for me and wants me to live every moment with Him and experience everything He has in store for me.

I'm not sure if I already shared this song but I'm sharing it again. It is the perfect telling of my life right now and I have found so much comfort in the lyrics. Every time it comes on the radio I have to turn it up loud and sing along. I love this song and know that its words are meant for healing and bringing hope.

Click here to listen!

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. Hebrews 12:1-2

Changing

The angel spoke to the women: "There is nothing to fear here. I know you're looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed. "Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, 'He is risen from the dead. He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.' That's the message." Matthew 28:5-7

When we long for the "old" and routine ways we are really holding God back from His work.

Jesus promises that He will make all new and everything is a new creation in Him. If we don't want change in our lives then we are going against the very thing that Jesus is doing.

Change is something that I'm not a fan of. Okay, let me rephrase - uncontrolled change is not something that I am a fan of. I like to change my hair, the decorations or furniture in my house, my styles. I do like those changes! However, changes that I can't see coming or are completely out of my control are ones I do not like.

Jesus is the changer. He changes what He touches to become better and more beautiful. If my hope and trust is in Him then I will learn to love change and see every new day as a new creation!

That anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! 2 Corinthians 5:17

An Epiphany

Quiet, everyone! Shh! Silence before God. Something's afoot in his holy house. He's on the move! Zechariah 2:13

God, the Master, The Holy of Israel, has this solemn counsel: "Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me— The very thing you've been unwilling to do. Isaiah 30:15 

In the moments of life when things seem dim, remember that God is using every moment for good and in every circumstance we can learn something about ourselves. 


The last few months have been hard on me. Things have happened in my life that were completely out of my control and my life became a whirlwind of emotions and chaos. Being the organized, perfectionist and planner, I felt out of control and lost. I felt like I was taking hits right and left and was trying my hardest to focus on something that was solid and steady, finding nothing. 


It wasn't until I realized that I could not do it on my own that I just let go. It didn't get better right away - it's still not "better". My life still feels out of whack and it still feels like a major whirlwind; however, I now know that I don't have to figure it out on my own - it's already done for me. 


The other morning, while driving to work, I had the radio on and I was listening to my favorite Christian station. I felt like every song was a gift from God reminding me of His love and grace. The lyrics to the songs were speaking right to me and I couldn't help but let my emotions run down my face and experience the peace that was taking over. 
One song reminded me that I'm not supposed to do it on my own. God is big enough to handle the problems for me and He doesn't need my help. In another song I was reminded that trials will make me stronger and in each one I am learning about the person God wants me to be. 


Last night I was listening to the station again when one of my favorite songs came on. I've heard this song many times before but this time I was really listening and taking in the words. The lyrics really spoke to me and I found myself being touched once again by the Holy Spirit. The song says, "Before a heartache can ever touch my life, it has to go through your hands".


God knows all. He sees all. He is making me into a stronger person and is carrying me through. He promises to never leave me and will protect me through all. 


The wallpaper on my phone is a constant reminder of the Jesus I know and love:

When you feel you're "drowning" in life's situations, don't worry. Your life guard walks on water.

My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 

Prayers for an Answer

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

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

Okay...so today was another devotion that I really needed to hear!  God knew my heart, and what it was feeling, and spoke to me this morning through my reading. I wish I could just retype up the whole page and show you all what it said. It was so necessary and relevant for me right now. Here are a few of the lines that I hit me today:

• "Pry your mind away from your problems so you can focus your attention on me."
• "Instead of trying to direct Me to do this and that, seek to attune yourself to what I am already doing."
• "Rather than trying to maintain control over your life, abandon yourself to My will."

I am praying hard right now for an answer to prayer. It's one of those prayers where I'm asking God for direction and an answer. It's one that I can't wait awhile for. I'm not sure if deep down I already know the answer or if I'm trying too hard to control again. Bottom line - I need prayers!

As you can see, the above captions from my devotions were really applicable. What I need now is to practice the above and really let God lead my decision. It's scary and I'm not sure how to fully do this. What I do know is that I need to abandon myself to God and let Him show me the way and what the best decision is for my life.

God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. Psalms 23:1-4

A Love Story

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. Hebrews 12:2

What is the greatest love story every told? I wish I could say my own (it is pretty darn good)! *tee-hee* Today I saw a reminder of the best love story! It was Christ's story of coming to this world and saving us from ourselves. He really went through everything to bring us back to Him and to give us the chance to call us His own.  


This Valentine's Day I hope you have the chance to give Christ a big valentine - you heart. Don't forget to give it over to Him today. He is waiting for you to enter His arms and He promises to never let go!

That's right. Because I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I'm not letting go. I'm telling you, 'Don't panic. I'm right here to help you.' Isaiah 41:13

Peace Please

Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, "Peace to you." Jesus repeated his greeting: "Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you." John 20:19,21

God wants His peace to surround you every moment. Try, for a moment, to allow His peace to seep over you and overcome your being. Picture it as a waterfall slowly pouring over you, and then little by little begins to rise up from the ground.

Today I need God's peace! I need to feel His presence with me and remind me that I am not alone. I need His grace to engulf my being and I need peace to overcome my mind.

This is what God wants. He died an awful death so that we could feel His peace.

That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught. John 14:27

Jesus First

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 10:41-42

Many of us lose sight of what really matters in this life. I'm definitely included in this mess and today'y devotion, once again, brought me back to what is important and true.

A lot of times we get so caught up in this world's chaos and forget that what really matters is our relationship with Christ. Once we have established that, and have a true relationship with Him, we can face everything in this world with new eyes, refreshed minds, and pure hearts.

Facing this life seems much more appealing to me with Jesus by my side. I just can't imagine putting anything else before that.

Let me give you some good advice; I'm looking you in the eye and giving it to you straight: Psalm 32:8

Longing for More

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

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 4:7 

This journey that we are all on is tough. Someone said something to me yesterday that really struck a chord. They said, "most of the time it feels like life is mostly hard and stressful, with a little bit of good times". It's hard to see life as being more hard and stressful than good, but I get it.

This is not our home. This is not where we are destined to be. If life here was good, and mostly happy, there would be no urge for something greater - heaven! I'm not saying that there is no "good" in life. I know that God blesses every day with sweetness and His glory. I also know that in everyday there is something that occurs that makes me long for the better days of heaven!

Trials occur in life to teach us lessons. Whether it be lessons for this life or to give us a longing for the world we are destined to be in. Look for those lessons and ask God that He reveals to you the meaning of them and in the mean time, look forward to the day where we can be in a world that is all happy and no bad!

Yes, indeed—God is my salvation. I trust, I won't be afraid. God—yes God!—is my strength and song, best of all, my salvation! Isaiah 12:2

All is Well

He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah. Ephesians 2:6

Today's devotion was just what I needed. It reminded me that Christ is above all things. He can see the beginning from the end and He knows just how to handle everything!

This tells me that what I'm dealing with is something He can handle. My day is one that He already has planned out and all I have to do is reach for His hand and let Him guide me through it. This is very comforting to me - especially with the way my days have been going.

Today will be better because I have the mindset of Him leading me through. I can call out at any time and ask for His help and He will be right there. All of this - time, stress, anxiety, hurt, pain - it's all underneath Him and if Christ is with me, I can handle it!

Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come ahead." Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!" Jesus didn't hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, "Faint-heart, what got into you?" The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. Matthew 14:28-32  

Short and to the Point

That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:28

Life is exhausting. Life doesn't seem fair and it is stressful. God tells us to come to Him and He fill give us rest.

Today I am in need of rest. Not the "I need to take a nap" rest (although that would be nice), but the kind where my heart, mind, and soul can take a break from struggling, thinking, doing. I need to be rejuvenated and strengthened. I need Christ to work a lot of "somethings" in my life for good today because I can't do it on my own!

Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God—soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God. Psalms 42:11

Holding Hands

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Matthew 11:28-29

God promises us that we will find strength and peace in His presence. All we have to do is reach for His hand and hold on tight.

When you think about it, holding someones hand means you trust them. The only hands I can think of holding are my parents, someone from my family, my friends, and my hubby's. I trust all those people and wouldn't "put my hand in theirs" unless I knew I could trust them. It is almost a sign of confidence in them. When you hold someones hand you are confiding in them and showing them that you trust them.

God wants us to reach for His hand. He wants us to know that He is here waiting for us to trust Him and not to fear this life.

Since prayer is at the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men to pray—not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God. 1 Timothy 2:8

A Reminder

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

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 4:18 

Thank you God that it is Friday! As I sit here reading my devotion and listening to my favorite Christian music station, I can't help but smile and get all giddy inside that it is finally Friday!

Today's devotional reminded me that there are many things that never meet the eye. We can not see what is going on in the spiritual battlefield, but we do know that God is always with us. We are NEVER alone!

If you feel alone today try doing something that reminds you that God is with you. I'm not sure what will help you, but one of my besties gave me a cross necklace on my last birthday. It is a simple reminder that God is constantly with me and I wear it to as a reminder. I tend to forget that God is with me all the time. When I feel the necklace, or see it, or get a compliment or comment about it, I am reminded that God is with me and He isn't leaving!

Try something simple to remind yourself that God is constantly with you and you can go to Him for anything at anytime!

She answered God by name, praying to the God who spoke to her, "You're the God who sees me! "Yes! He saw me; and then I saw him!" That's how that desert spring got named "God-Alive-Sees-Me Spring." That spring is still there, between Kadesh and Bered. Genesis 16:13-14

A Prayer

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 12:2

God,
 I'm asking you that you will renew my mind this morning and help me to think of things that are of the present and not get sucked into the past. My human instincts, and my personal instincts, want to pull me into the past and contemplate the "what might have been". My mind constantly relives those moments that have already passed. Please renew my mind and show me how to constantly go to You in all moments and bring me back to what is new and what is present. Show me how to live moment to moment seeking You and what You desire of me.

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

Just Keep Trusting

Suddenly, God, you floodlight my life; I'm blazing with glory, God's glory! I smash the bands of marauders, I vault the highest fences. Psalms 18:29

He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they'll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. Psalms 91:11-12  

He's got His angels watching over you! This is the promise that God gives us that we can hold on to every day. I know that there are struggles to be had and there are moments where life grows dim and you wonder what will happen, but remember that God gave His angels a job and that job is to protect you from falling!

It's a lot easier to walk with God one day at a time. Don't try and look ahead and guess the future....of course it seems uncertain! Think of it this way. When taking piano lessons for the first time you would never watch an amazing pianist and expect yourself to be "that great". You have to take it one step at a time and trust that your journey of practicing and playing piano will get you to that point where you are that great! Just like our walk with God - don't look ahead to the future and stress about it. God will prepare you for what is to come and you will be able to conquer it together!

Always remember, nothing is too big, too tough, or too hard for God to handle! Just keep trusting!

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