Live in the Moment

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

When we face challenges in life we also gain an opportunity to practice depending fully on God.

Sure, it isn't fun. It isn't the life we had planned for ourselves, but all these things are working together for a bigger purpose. God is calling us to live a life in the present moment with Him. When we face challenges in life we have to live life in moment by moment for sanity's sake. But really, this is how life was meant to be lived - in the moment.

There are plenty of things to praise God for. Try praising Him for your trails and struggles as well. It really strengthens your faith and your understanding of His love for you.

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

Holy

 I'm praying not only for them But also for those who will believe in me Because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, So they might be one heart and mind with us. Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me. The same glory you gave me, I gave them, So they'll be as unified and together as we are—I in them and you in me. Then they'll be mature in this oneness, And give the godless world evidence That you've sent me and loved them In the same way you've loved me. John 17:20-23

As I read this morning's devotions I couldn't help but think of this song I fell in love with awhile ago. Every time I hear it I am amazed once again by how God works and His being.

The song is by Addison Road and it is called "What Do I Know of Holy". The lyrics are really what entice me. They are so beautifully written and are so intriguing. I wanted to share these lyrics with you today.

I made You promises a thousand times.

I tried to hear from Heaven But I talked the whole time. I think I made You too smallI never feared You at all. If You touched my face would I know You? Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out.

I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about How You were mighty to save. Those were only empty words on a page. Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

What do I know of You

Who spoke me into motion? Where have I even stood But the shore along Your ocean? Are You fire? Are You fury? Are You sacred? Are You beautiful? What do I know? What do I know of Holy?


What do I know of Holy? What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame? And a God who gave life "its" name? What do I know of Holy? Of the One who the angels praise? All creation knows Your name. On earth and heaven above What do I know of this love?

                                                                 What do I know of Holy?


Powerful, right? I thought so too! I absolutely love this song. If you haven't heard it already I encourage you to look it up and listen to the music! It is absolutely beautiful!

He energizes those who get tired,gives fresh strength to dropouts. 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 40:29-31

Perspective

So we're not giving up. 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. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. 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 4:16-18

There are plenty of things in life that seem like they should stop us in our tracks and let us pout a bit and feel sorry for ourselves. But like the verses above, perspective is really what matters when having problems of this world.

I really do love the verses above. I encourage you to read them if you skipped over them! They are such a powerful truth from God's word and I really find comfort in them! They are read like other followers have written their words - people just like us, doing what we are doing, living in the world we are living in. They were able to write these encoring words through extremely tough times in their lives and it only makes me stop and think about what my life is in comparison to theirs.

When a problem in life arises, really put the problem into perspective and try to look at it from God's point of view. I know it's hard and sometimes takes a lot of faith and trust in God to do. But when we look at life's problems from the world's point of view we become discouraged and frustrated. Try looking at in from a higher stance - really stretch your limits and see it in the light of His view.

Blessed are the people who know the passwords of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God. Psalm 89:15  

A Constant

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

Our focus needs to be kept on God. When we allow the things of this world to take over our minds we lose track of what's most important.

It is hard to stay focused on things, and at times it seems like life is overwhelming and complicated. This may be true, but if we keep are focus on what truly matters - God, we will have a better understanding and something constant to focus on.

God is constant. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He never changes and His promises stay the same all the time. When we find something that we can focus on that is not constantly changing, we need to hold on, grasp it, and not let go. God is that constant for you!

Year after year you're as good as new. Psalm 102:27 

Be Still

"Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything." Psalm 46:10

Be still and know that He is God. Love Him more dearly, see Him more clearly. Be still and know that He is God. When we are still before God, we are learning His love and compassion.

There are so many moments in the day that I can get caught up in worldly things. There are moments of gossip, moments of stress, moments of weakness. In these moments, God desires me to look to Him and wait upon Him for answers. Every time these events happen He is growing me spiritually.

I've never thought about it this way, but every time I plan excessively (which I do a lot) it is really a form of disbelief. I am saying to God, "I don't trust your plans so I must make my own." Now, I love planning for the future - I find it exciting. It is something I do to look forward to and I don't think God wants to take that all away from me. I think that the reasoning behind the planning is important to understand. When I'm planning out of fear of the unknown is when I am insulting to God.

Every time I am still before God I know that He is working on me and teaching me how to trust Him more. These moments are important in life and vital to a relationship with Christ.

With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. Romans 8:1

Thank You

But God, dear Lord,cI only have eyes for you. Since I've run for dear life to you, take good care of me. Psalm 141:8

Keep your eyes on God. Spending time with Him will give you hope and an understanding of His love and strength.

Today I start my "new" job! I can't wait to get back into a routine and earn and income for my hubby and I. I know that through all of this stress and confusion I have learned so much about myself and, more importantly, how God works! I love that I've become closer to God through all of this. I praise Jesus that this took place in my life and has led me to today!

Pray for me! Pray that I remember the things I've learned - the things that God has taught me!

Now you've got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I'm on the right way. Psalm 16:11

God is with You

Awake now, he told the wind to pipe down and said to the sea, "Quiet! Settle down!" The wind ran out of breath; the sea became smooth as glass. Mark 4:39

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 

God promises us that He is never going to leave us and that He is always with us. There are plenty of Bible verses that remind us of this amazing promise. There are many promises that tell us He is always near, He has a plan for us, His ways are higher than any other.

Sometimes we don't understand the hurt and pain in this life and we question where God was/is. I have come to my own conclusion that we as humans can't comprehend the beginning from the end and thinking and worrying over it just makes things worse. Just because there is pain and hurt in the world doesn't mean that God wasn't present. In times of trouble and pain we tend to forget about what we are really striving for in this life.

If heaven is where we desire to be, then leaving this life is really our goal. When people leave this world tragically, us left behind are the angry and hurt ones. In reality, God never left or abandoned. He was just simply completing the story of one and sending them on to wait for the next step in life - heaven.

This is not our home! When tragedy and pain surround us, just remember that God never leaves or forsakes us. His plan is never over until we enter the Kingdom with Him! We may think it is the end, or feel like the end has come in someones life, but eternity is really what we must keep our eyes on!

We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in sea storm and earthquake, Before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains. Psalm 46:2

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

God's Love

God told them, "I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love! Jeremiah 31:3

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 

Nothing we say or do can change the way God loves us!

This is such a great promise. I know that there are plenty of moments in the day where I would think God would love me less, and should love me less, but His love never changes! No matter what we do, say or think, God will always love us the same!

This goes both ways though. A lot of us our trying to do things to make God love us more. We try to gain God's love by certain acts - even though we've been told that God loves us all the time in the same way! His love isn't changing!

I hope that it sinks in to everyone today that God loves you! His love never changes and it is always present!

Hour by hour I place my days in your hand, safe from the hands out to get me. Warm me, your servant, with a smile; save me because you love me. Psalms 31:16  

So thank God for his marvelous love, for his miracle mercy to the children he loves. Psalms 107:8  

God Provides

When the layer of dew had lifted, there on the wilderness ground was a fine flaky something, fine as frost on the ground. The Israelites took one look and said to one another, man-hu (What is it?). They had no idea what it was.

So Moses told them, "It's the bread God has given you to eat. And these are God's instructions: 'Gather enough for each person, about two quarts per person; gather enough for everyone in your tent.'"

The People of Israel went to work and started gathering, some more, some less, but when they measured out what they had gathered, those who gathered more had no extra and those who gathered less weren't short—each person had gathered as much as was needed.

 Moses said to them, "Don't leave any of it until morning."

But they didn't listen to Moses. A few of the men kept back some of it until morning. It got wormy and smelled bad. And Moses lost his temper with them. Exodus 16:14-20

I have learned that God wants me to be dependent on Him and nothing else. He wants me to know that He will supply all my needs just at the right time!

Yesterday I was hired back at my old job at LSU. I will be back on my stomping grounds, advising students, teaching classes, and really getting to make a difference! I am so excited to be back and I can't wait to start work on Monday!

I know that God has taken me down this path to really teach me how He works in mysterious ways! His love for me runs so deep and I love how He is showing me something new everyday about His love and His ways.

A lot has happened in this past year - things that I needed to happen to understand the love of Jesus and the way His hand works. All of these things have made me stronger and more dependent on Him! He gives me what I need when I need it, all I need!

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 

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 

 He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. Hebrews 4:16 

Our God is Greater

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

Today I have an interview and I'm trusting in God that everything will work out for the best. I know that in the past I've followed my own desires and got myself into some unpleasant circumstances. I know that even through those circumstances I learned valuable lessons, but today, this time, I'm trusting that God will lead me to the right place.

I can't help myself...I keep singing the song "Our God is Greater". I think that it is a perfect reminder of what He is capable of and what He can do in our lives!

Click here if you'd like to join me in singing these praises to God!

Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. Isaiah 41:10

Thankfulness

Holy, Holy, Holy is God-of-the-Angel-Armies. His bright glory fills the whole earth. The foundations trembled at the sound of the angel voices, and then the whole house filled with smoke. Isaiah 6:3

I am filled with so much thankfulness today! I know that God has been teaching me to be thankful in all circumstances and in everything and today my heart is bursting with thanksgiving!

I have so much to be thankful for and I praise God for all of it. Now, I know it sounds like something big and awesome has happened and that I should reveal it anytime, but the truth is nothing amazingly big has happened. It's just one of those days where my heart is full of joy and I'm praising God for it all!

I know that life is hard and, trust me, I know that at times it feels like there is nothing to be thankful about. I want to share a quote from my devotional that really made me think about those situations and moments in life. It is written as if God was speaking to us:

When you criticize or complain, you are acting as if you think you could run the world better than I do. From your limited human perspective, it may look as if I'm mismanaging things. But you don't know what I know or what I see. 

I think this really puts things into perspective, at least for me. When I complain about things I'm just showing my unbelief and I'm not practicing faith. I have been working on this a lot and I know that God has showed me so much since I've been doing this. He has really given me a stronger faith and has never let me down.

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

Thank God no matter what happens. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 

Easter

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. 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

We are Christ's. Everything we have is His. Everything we need will be provided.

This weekend was absolutely wonderful! It was the perfect way to spend Easter. We got to see family and spend time with great friends. There was wonderful food and lots to be thankful for!

Easter is a little bit different when children aren't around. I remember it being a big event when I was little, but now that no little ones are running around it seems to be a different holiday. I love enjoying it now with family and friends, but I can't wait of the day to experience it again with children!

Easter is all about remembering the price God paid for us to belong to Him. It is about remembering how powerful He is and remembering that His being endures forever! We know that nothing can keep us from Him and He is our constant companion.

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

Stay Focused

The Woman said to the serpent, "Not at all. We can eat from the trees in the garden. It's only about the tree in the middle of the garden that God said, 'Don't eat from it; don't even touch it or you'll die.'"

The serpent told the Woman, "You won't die. God knows that the moment you eat from that tree, you'll see what's really going on. You'll be just like God, knowing everything, ranging all the way from good to evil."

When the Woman saw that the tree looked like good eating and realized what she would get out of it—she'd know everything!—she took and ate the fruit and then gave some to her husband, and he ate. Genesis 3:2-6

When are minds are focused on what we don't have, instead of what we do, they became distracted and we start longing for the things that we shouldn't. When Eve started focusing on the fruit that God told them never to eat, she wasn't thankful, happy, or focused on all the other many fruits that were in the garden. she was only focused on the one she wanted - not the one God wanted.

Our minds are distracted easily. They focus on things that aren't good for us or seem to be "better" in the moment but we know aren't good for us in the long run.  We are constantly looking for things that we want and not things that God wants for us.

Today I'm trying something new. I'm trying to focus more on the things that God wants for me and has created for me. Instead of wanting things that I know aren't good for me, or longing for things in the future, I'm going to stay focused on the present good things around me. I'm going to e thankful for all the beautiful things that God has given to me and enjoy everything He has provided.

I'm ready to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice and pray in the name of God. Psalm 116:17

But if we walk in the light, God himself being the light, we also experience a shared life with one another, as the sacrificed blood of Jesus, God's Son, purges all our sin. 1 John 1:7 

My Love, My Joy, My Peace

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

Love, Joy, Peace.

Love is the way I feel when I think of my hubby and can't imagine life without him. Love is the way I miss my family so much that it hurts knowing how long it might be until I see them again. Love is the way that I yearn to grow a baby inside me. It is the way that I can't wait until the morning that I can't sleep in because I have created something that needs me. Love is what Jesus desires to show me and continues to do everyday of my life.

Joy is the way I feel when I listen to a great song with lyrics that mean everything to me in that moment. Joy is when I see smiling children playing and learning at the same time. Joy is what bring tears to my eyes when I can't contain the amount of emotion I have inside in a moment that bring utter happiness! Joy is seeing something so beautiful that I know Jesus has made just for me to enjoy and I can't fathom His love for me!

Peace is how I feel when I'm home with my hubby, just being. Peace is the way I feel when I sit in church listening to the choir sing hymns and their sound echoes across the entire place. Peace is what I feel when I say my quiet prayers in the stillness of the night and I know that God is whispering sweet nothings to me. Peace is what Jesus desires to give to me.

I hope that you can find your love, joy and peace in your life! When you do you can be sure that Jesus has sent those moments to you!

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. Isaiah 30:15

Everything

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

Everything we have is from God. No matter how we look at it, we didn't do anything to gain the things we have today.

I love the song, "Stronger" by Mandisa. I especially love the bridge of the song:

'Cause if He started this work in your life He will be faithful to complete it If only you believe it He knows how much it hurts And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this 

I think that the song is such a great reminder of how God works and why there are trials and burdens in our life. If you want to take a listen click here!

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

Garden

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

God's love pours out from everything. We can find it everywhere we search if we know what we are looking for.

God's promises are survival for me. He promises that all my need will be taken care of. He promises that He will supply the necessary things for me to live and He has kept to that promise! He also promises that He will never leave us and that He is planning our lives for our good and our best interest! I know that He keeps these promises and we can see glimpses of these things every day.

I'm really into gardening right now and today's devotion use the metaphor of a garden in our hearts. It was perfect and right up my alley. God says that He dwells in our hearts, which is a garden, and that there are mostly beautiful flowers there, but also some weeds. The way to get rid of the weeds are through quiet times with Him - He sheds light inside that gets rid of the weeds and grows the flowers. He also says that the trials of our life make the weeds shrivel up and the flowers gain strength.

How's your garden doing? Are you tending to the plants and flowers and allowing enough time to let the things grow and flourish?

These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. 

2 Corinthians 4:17