Even In This; Finding Joy & Peace

Today's post comes from Kassie of Cypress Ministries

http://www.cypressministries.com  and  http://www.fromalisteningheart.blogspot.com

~ From my heart,
just something to think about today:

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.

He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.

Do you believe this?”

She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ,

the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

(John 11:25-27 NKJV)

My friend I don't know what your "this" is... but I know I am going through one. The thing is, I just keep calling it "this" because I don't know what it is or how to even describe it. I don't know if it is my faith being tested, if I am "birthing something new" or maybe it is just simply God trying to bring me through something. All I do know is that "this" hurts, and it is a struggle, and it is difficult... And it seems as if God keeps leaning down to ask me, "will I love Him even in this?"

Even in this where I can't see my way clear, there seems to be no answers, no understanding; just an expectation that there is so suppose to be so much more, but it is just out of grasp... and the question is, "will I trust Him even in this?"

And each time I find myself taking a breath with a strange sort of "weight" inside of me and saying, "Yes." I still believe that God is God. I still believe that God is good. I still believe that God is faithful. "Even in this" I believe.... it is really weird because I keep looking at my hands to see the rope burns, because part of me feels like I am haning on by shreds, but at the exact same time, there is a calmness inside of me. And when I am very still I can feel -- that it is NOT me. Or better yet; it is NOT coming from me.

This is what Jesus wanted to know from Martha in the face of the death of their brother; did she believe? And Martha said "Yes Lord, even now I believe...." And I truly believe that God still comes to us in times such as that to see if, "Even in this, are we still His?" Can we (do we) still love and worship Him when times are hard, or when hurt and sorrow have come?

I think this is where true faith is revealed. I think that when we get to a point where we have nothing left, where we are simply just wrung out and hung up to dry; that we see what our faith is really made of. But even more importantly-- SO DOES EVERYONE ELSE. Anyone we have come in contact with during our walk where we say, "Oh sure, I believe God is God..." is there to see when it comes right down to it-- what is inside.

My friend, how are you wearing your faith? Are you grumbling? Or are you still maintaining stride even in "this?" Any one can shout from the mountain tops, but how are you standing on your faith in the valley? Because this is where true witnessing comes from. This is where you put your faith where your mouth is. And it is in times like this that our faith has a chance to grow and be strengthened-- and when we reach the other side we can look back and be amazed at seeing the hand of God that has brought us through.

I say that because Jesus told His disciples "go to the other side" He did not tell them to go half way across and come dead in the water. I know He doesn't expect us to either. So I know that some way or some how, I have to be able to come to the other side of my "this." I will-- and you will too.

I may have to make a circle in the desert a few times-- OK I HAVE circled the desert a few times, but I know that there will also come a time that God will bring me to the edge of the river and say, "Now go up and take the ground I am giving you." And when this time comes for me (and for you) let it NOT be unbelief that keeps us out.

And do you know that for all the "hardship" I can honestly say there HAS been joy and peace inside. That even in this, when I take the time to just stop and listen, when I come to a place where I just "wait" I can feel strength rising in the very depths of my heart that can ONLY come from God. And then I can feel a peace budding in me, and that brings joy because though on the outside nothing has change, I know that God is still there, He is still by my side, and THAT brings a smile to my face. And I think that is what we need to do-- to seek out and find the joy that is there that comes with the peace in knowing, even in "this." I believe that is where we will truly find God. That it is in the "loving Him even in this" where we will experience His mightiness, and willingness to work on our behalf. I believe that when we lean into Him in times of "things we just can't explain;" that is where we will see that He really is there walking with us, and will bring about things for us to smile about.

My friend I want to encourage you today. God is still the same God as before. The same God who parted the Red Sea, is the same God now. Times have changed. People have changed, the way we eat, dress, and play have change... BUT GOD has not changed. My prayer recently has been "Show that God to me. Come in and be THAT God for me, and in my life. Please step in and make Your presence known. Knock me off my feet with the unimaginative. Show my children, show my family, show those around me that YOU ARE GOD."

My friend, will you join me?


I wish you well, and may God shine upon you in all of your endevors today.
Kassie.

Writing for God

Today's post comes from Anita at Scattering the Stones

' ...O LORD, you are our Father.

We are the clay, and you are the potter.'

Isaiah 64:8 NLT

I just love how God speaks to us in so many ways; whether it's directly through the Bible, through His creation, through inspiration from reading books, films, the list goes on and on. 

As I ask God to teach me His ways, He inspires me to write; as I listen to the whispers of my Father's heart through my journey with Him, I feel closer to my Saviour. 

I often carry my notebook with me, to help remind me of these God appointments, as He raises my head and says to me, 'share what is on your heart, for me...' 

Inspiration 

 

I prayed a long time a go, that my life would enable me to write about my experiences of Jesus' tender touch and the words He blesses me with.When you pray this, expect your prayer to be answered. God will touch your life, open the doors to experience new things, to mould you, and share His heart with those who are in need. 

'He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.

When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.'

2 Cor 1:4 NLT

Often when you post a devotion that was hard to write, feeling like your life is laid out bare for the world to see, God opens our eyes even more to the needs of those around us, as we read the comments from others saying 'me too...' 

A prayerful heart

 

Since my time at Bible college through the work He has called me to do, and through writing the devotions that God leads me to write, I have come to be very aware for the need for a prayerful heart. For there is a purpose in everything. God wants to reach out through the posts He lays on our hearts to reach others; who either don't know God - who are searching for answers to their own life situations, or to encourage other Christians around the world. This is why the importance of spending time with our Saviour cannot be emphasised enough! 

I have learnt that keeping a journal and spending time with God is essential for me to hear what God wants, and to give me strength when I need it the most; to not allow my ever changing feelings to cloud my judgements. As soon as I feel vulnerable or lost, my first call is to God - it has to be. 

Once we write a post it is there for all to see, as with our conversations online or offline the words we speak/write to one another, will be captured in a moment, and can have a long lasting affect.This drives home the importance of asking the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts and thoughts daily (Ps 139:1-2). 

Taking time out

 

We must not be afraid to take time out, to step away from the pressure we place on ourselves to 'get a post out there' for where our hearts are not right, so will also be our words. Often God calls us to be still in His presence and so we must heed His call, for He knows us better than we know ourselves. (Rom 8:27) 

What are we feeding ourselves with?

 

If we feel led to share God's love through our writing, we need to place our priority on our relationship with God. I am inspired by what Jesus said, 

'My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, 

and from finishing his work'

John 4:34 NLT

Over time, God will show us our own voice in our writing, as God uses us as His vessel to pour out His love to those who need His message. 

'The spirit of the Lord speaks through me; his words are upon my tongue.'

2 Samuel 23:2 NLT

What we listen to, read, watch will effect us, so let's feed ourselves with the things that bring glory to God. 

Understanding the role that pride can play, helps us to re-evaluate why we are writing, and who for; enabling us to focus on what God wants, not how many comments we may have, or compare ourselves with other writers. As we depend on God, the Holy Spirit will help us in our weakness. 

God's call

 

It is a privilege to be able to share what God places on our heart, a gift from our Lord. I am so blessed by the many Christian writers who share their love for Jesus through their blogs. I have grown to love writing for our Saviour, and my prayer is that what I share will help others see their worth in God's sight, as He is helping me. 

All I can do is breathe in the Word of God, and lay in those green pastures that He provides, and listen to the whispers of His heart. 

 

 

Please join me in prayer

Lord, we thank you that you are the potter, and we are the clay,

May our lives reflect the great love, mercy, and grace that we have received from you. 

Thank you that you have called us to write for you. 

May our thoughts, and the words on our tongues and through the words we type, glorify you. We give you our blogs, our ministries, that you have blessed us with. 

May your will be done. 

Please use us as your vessel to bless others through the message you place on our hearts. May our hearts and minds be renewed daily, as we feed on your Word.

Please examine our thoughts and show us anything you want us to change. 

Please continue to bless our writing, for you.

In Your name 

Amen  

'Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord.'

Psalm 150:6 NLT

Anita 

Thank you for reading my post today, I hope it has blessed you. Please share what inspires you to write for God. 


Video: Music - Breath - Kathryn Scott, Video put together by: robert28r

On our spiritual journey: Keep calm and carry on

Today's post comes from Anita at Scattering the Stones

 

'The Lord went ahead of them.

He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud,

and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire...'

Exodus 13:21 NLT

On our spiritual journeys we walk hand in hand with faith and trust. We learn dependence on the One who gives us life, who directs and guards our path.

The closer we walk with Jesus, the stronger the pull; as we feel the strength, call, and direction of the Holy Spirit.

As the Lord spoke to Moses and the Israelites, and directed them on their road, we see a story of pain, fear, mercy, grace, trust, faithfulness, and victory.

What can we learn from the story of Moses and the Israelites, on their journey through the wilderness and the Red Sea?

1. Sometimes short cuts are not necessarily better

As the Israelites followed the guidance of the Lord, in His wisdom He knew that if they faced a battle they may be tempted to change their minds and go back to Egypt (Ex 13:17-18). Because He knew them so well, He brought them through the wilderness, the path less travelled. His protection guarded their footsteps. They did not know the way, so they had to fully trust and depend on the divine presence through the smoke by day and fire by night.

How often do we try to take the short cut, only to find that if we had listened to God, it would have been so much better, even if it had taken us longer?

2. In Him we find rest

Not only did God plan how He would direct His people, but He also pointed out places for them to rest! As we know on any journey, taking regular rest is one of the most important things we need in order to complete it.

We can be so focused on our time short tasks that we exhaust ourselves physically and mentally and either ignore the oasis that God provides for us because we 'must' finish a task, or we just don't see it.

Rest isn't just for the weak, it is recognising that we need it to keep us strong, in Him.

Have you spent time resting in God's presence lately?

3. He provides us with all that we need

The Lord provided everything that was necessary, considering their needs each step of the way; He provided a covering for His people to protect them from the day's heat, as well as providing light at night (Ps 105:3).

When we are looking to Him for His provision, it tests our faith. Do we really believe that God will provide all that we need? Let's place our trust in the Jehovah-­‐jireh - the Lord will provide!

4. God displays His glory through His perfect plan

In order for the Egyptians to see that He was indeed the LORD, His plan considered how best His message could be seen and heard through the path travelled by the Israelites. God hardened Pharaoh's and the rest of the official's hearts, and the force of their assault was huge, as they got ready to attack! Understandably, the Israelites were frightened, and questioned both Moses and God about this supposedly great plan that in their eyes didn't make any sense, for they didn't see the larger picture!

I think we can all relate to the confusion that the Israelites felt, confused by God's plan. The very essence of faith is by not leaning on our own understanding, but by placing our complete trust in God and His ways (Prov 3:5).

In their humanity and their fear, they pushed back against God's plan and complained, asking why they had been brought on this journey. Suddenly their familiar past (even though it was painful) seemed much more comfortable, than what they were facing.

Moses replied -

'Don't be afraid.

Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today.

The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.

The LORD himself will fight for you.

Just stay calm.'

Exodus 13:11-14 NLT

5. He will protects us from our enemies

Our enemies may try to harm us, but we belong to the Lord; as His Spirit dwells in us.

God's glory shone brightly as He sheltered the Israelites from their enemy at night (Ex 14: 19-20) and twisted the Egyptians chariot wheels to stop them in their tracks -

' "Let's get out of here - away from the Israelites!"

the Egyptians shouted.

"The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt." '

Exodus 14:25 NLT

As God protected the Israelites from their enemies, He will do the same for us, as He is our strength and shield (Ps 28:7).

6. The Lord's great plan can never be defeated.

Moses was required to stand in faith and follow the instructions given to him by God; to pick up his staff and divide the sea for the Israelites to walk through on dry ground (Ex 14:16) !

This journey was not an easy path to take. Yes the Lord had faithfully guided, protected, and provided for His people each step of the way through the wilderness, but when it came to stepping out in faith again into what seemed impossible, fear started to dig deep and creep into their hearts.

We may look at this story through familiar eyes, be in awe of God's glory and how He used Moses and provided for His people, but we need to remember how God does the same for us daily.

As God said to Moses -

'I have planned this in order to display my glory...'

Exodus 4:4 NLT

As Jesus brought us from a place of death to everlasting life. Our lives display the glory of God, by what He has done for us.

As we depend on God for His strength for whatever we are going through, we can place our trust in the footsteps already trodden by the One who goes before us; the King of Kings.

As Moses was used to divide the waters, and the Lord directed and protected the Israelites on their journey, everyone saw God's power and that His plan could not be stopped, so they believed that He was the LORD, and placed their faith in Him (Ex14:31).

Let's remember together

Whatever we are facing today - whether we are struggling in a valley moment, or praising Him on top of the mountain, we have a God who turns the impossible into the possible (Lk 1:37); who commands the seas to divide and moves mountains, who defeats our enemies and guards our path.

For our journeys display the glory of God! So let us remain calm, for the LORD will rescue us and is fighting for us!

Just as He took care of the Israelites, He will guide us along the best path for our life, as He advises us and watches over us (Ps 32:8), because He loves us! :)

Let's pray

Lord we are in awe of your Majesty!

We praise you for your great purpose and plan.

We thank you for your great love, mercy, provision and protection.

We come before you, asking for your rest and refreshment for the journey you have called us on.

Help us to remain in you, placing our complete trust in you for all that we need.

May our hearts be willing to hear your calling.

May our lives glorify you today!

May your love shine brightly through us, so that all may see that you are the King of Kings.

In Jesus' name

Amen

Anita x

....................

I hope today's devotion has blessed you.

If you would like a copy of the above image as a free PDF, please visit my blog :)

Seeing The Brush Strokes

Today's post comes from Kassie at Guiding Light From His Word

 TODAY IN HIS WORD COMES FROM

(Isaiah 40:12-14 NKJV)
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, measured heaven with a span
 and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure?
Weighed the mountains in scale and the hills in a balance?
 Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or as His counselor has taught Him?
 With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him, and taught Him in the path of justice?
Who taught Him knowledge, and showed Him the way of understanding?

THOUGHT TO PONDER:Sometimes in our rush to see the finished picture, we miss seeing the very essence of God as He loving holds the paintbrush, and mixes all the colors and tenderly, but with precision, applies the brush strokes to the canvas of our lives.

TODAY’S INSIGHT INTO HIS WORD:Yesterday my day didn't go at all according to original plan. It started out the way I had intended, but was quickly altered when my oldest son called and asked if I would like for him to buy us breakfast. Now I had a lot of work to do-- in fact I was in the middle of writing-- but when your 18 year old son calls and would like to spend time with you.... things can change very quickly.

I never made it to the office, I never finished what I had planned to do for the day... and I never did get back to writing. BUT what I did wind up doing, I now see as a moment from God. You see, I wound up not at my tree, but a different place I sometimes go to pray that is a little closer to home. I had also taken with me my yellow tablets from the past 2 years that I have journaled and have written out the sightings of God's hands pints in my life.

Now the way I journal, is first it has to be on a yellow tablet. Don't know why, for me it just does. My prayer book and everything else can be on something different, but these moments I have seen God, has to be written on yellow. Second, anything pertaining to God's handprint is written in purple. This can be an event I realized could have only been by God, or a verse that some how was brought to my attention that spoke volumes, a devotional that seemed to answer prayer... just whatever it is that I know God has shown me that He was there. Sometimes I will also use a red pen to journal the events leading up to my sighting... but the actual answer, or whatever God did, I write in purple. I then use a blue pen to journal my thoughts and prayers about this sighting God has given me.

So anyway there I sat yesterday at this spot. I prayed for a little bit, and then I picked up the notepads and started reading through the purple passages. I smiled at some, took a deep breath over others, and rejoiced at the ones I had completely forgotten. You see for one, it is important that we create memory stones to have that will remind us of God's Work, and Word He has spoken to us. It is also equally important that we go back and visit the memories, otherwise in the day to day life, we forget things. For instance, on January 3rd, 2010, I had written in purple, 1 Peter 2:2 "May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure." And in my notes I had written: "My question to you the other night; 'What is full measure-- what does that mean?"  You see a few days before, I had the strongest impression during my quiet time of "full measure." And since this was not a phrase I use, I knew it was from God, I just had no idea what it meant or why this was so strong in my heart. But a few days later, this verse was brought to my attention, and upon doing a deeper study of it, I found that what God was telling me was "COMPLETELY." That what He was working in me and for me, will be in the fullest measure-- it will be completely finished. God will not leave His promises to me done only half way. That though it may be taking a very long time, it will be done COMPLETELY and in the fullest measure.

For me this moment WAS a God moment I will be able to journal, because He used this time to remind of things I had forgotten, that I very much needed to be reminded of. After I went through the tablets, I sat in quietness and was looking out at the sky. From where I was sitting, it was beautiful. The color of blue was the prettiest shade, and looking around, there was not a cloud in the sky, except for the one directly in front of me. However it wasn't really a cloud, there was white but in a stroke like fashion. Basically what I mean is, it wasn't a solid white cloud. It looked as if someone had taken a paintbrush and wiped it off on a blue sheet. You could see blue through the white, and it really appeared as if you could see the brush strokes in it.

I sat there for the longest time in appreciation for God's design, and thought about what I had just read. It occurred to me that, though I had not had a "Word Spoken" in my life or in my circumstances that moved mountains, or crumbled walls.... God has been with me the whole time. He has been walking with me. And it was a reminder of a verse I highlighted in my Bible a while back: I will walk with you and be your God, and you will be my people. (Lev. 26:12 NCV) Again, looking up at the sky and the stroke of white, I reminded myself that the same God whose hand can span the heavens, is big enough to topple mountains when it is time. But in the meantime, I have these reminders that God has given me quiet nods of His head to show me that He is there, and has been listening, and walking with me.

This has made me think about the giftbaskets I use to make. I knew what the finished basket was suppose to look like, because I already had a picture of it in my mind. So I could go about designing it in just the right way-- because I was the designer. I was the creator, and knew what pieces it needed and what had to go in first, in order for the basket to come out the way I intended for the customer. In the same way, God knows what His painting of my life is suppose to look like, and because HE IS THE ARTIST-- not me-- He knows in what way to mix the colors and paint the canvas in such a way (and in order) that it  will look like the way HE has intended for it to be. And though He has given me glimpses of what it will look like, I have to wait until He is ready to unveil the finished picture, before seeing how all this is all going to come together.

One final note about yesterday... as I got ready to leave my space, I turned on the car and got ready to drive away, and on the radio was the end of a song I didn't recognize but the voice was singing, "I see now, You've been with me all along...." I had to smile. If I hadn't been certain that my quiet time was orchestrated by God already, this would be the confirmation that I was in the right place, and spending time that was needed.

PRAYING IN FAITH;
      Father God, I come before You in thanksgiving of Your time I had with You yesterday. Lord, Thank You for the reminder that You have been walking with me. Thank You for Your faithfulness in showing me what I had forgotten. Lord I praise You as the everlasting God, and that Your hand does span the heavens and measures out the sea and everything in our lives. Lord, You alone are God, no one needs to give You direction or understanding. You do not ask or need our counsel but it is we that need You. And You will make Your Will know, if we but spend time to ask, and then listen.
     Lord, I lift up this reader with me today. Lord, I ask that You watch over them and protect them. Lord, I ask You to guard their steps and lead them in the way YOU would have them to go. Lord, I ask You to go before them and clear the path for them. I also pray that they will be able to look back at today and see the traces of Your handprints, and see You have been there all along.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

 

My friend, have a wonderful and blessed day,

Kassie

Love heals your heart

Today's post comes from Salina at State of the Heart

Psalm 147:3 “He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.” NIV

In the words of Third Day; 'you may feel like your life is shattered with no way to be fixed again, but at a time you least expect it, love heals your heart.'

The longer I live here on earth, the more convinced I am of how much God truly loves me. If that were not so He wouldn't feel the need to constantly place so many new and unexpected gifts along my path. One of the biggest gifts He has given me is the ability to give and receive love.

For humans, love is much more than just a basic need; in fact, our need for love is so strong we’re willing to do almost anything to achieve and maintain it.

Everyone needs to know how much they’re loved; even the Bible says that love is one of three things that will not only endure, but is also the greatest of them. (1 Corinthians 13:13).

There have been many instances in my life when I had to rely on love to carry me through a hard time. Pain, hurt, and rejection are impossible to hide from and even harder to understand, but with love we are able to find an escape; a reprieve from those feelings.

When a painful event occurs that tries to disrupt our love, we might feel as though our hearts have been broken into so many pieces they might never be put back together. When this happens, we need to choose not to believe the lies our enemy puts in our minds; instead we need to turn to the truth found only in God’s unending and enduring Word and love.

God’s love is different from the everyday love we are exposed to. His kind of love never asks for anything in return. It’s compassionate, merciful, and unconditional. He loves us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). We truly are blessed when God’s mercy covers us, even if we feel as though we don’t deserve it.

I recently found myself looking back and reflecting on all the instances in my life where I was deeply hurt. Some of the pain was caused by normal life occurrences, the rest were inflicted through human influence. All of the pain produced lasting scars and at the same time left me feeling as though I might never recover.

I know the future will hold more pain for me, but it gives me great courage to know I have God in my life to rely on, to help me through whatever may come. I also know I could never survive without my husband, family and best friends. They rescue me over and over again, and are currently helping me put all those broken pieces of my heart back into place. In short, they are the very glue that holds my heart together and I thank God for them daily.

For those of you who feel as though you can’t go on, believe me when I say there is a way through it. It may be hard to see for all of your pain, but if you trust in the Lord and wait on His timing, you will be delivered. There is no better safety net than knowing if you fall it will be straight into His loving arms. His arms are big enough to cover every hurt in your life, they are strong enough to hold you for as long as you need to be held, and they are loving enough to wipe away every tear you've ever cried.

Please pray with me:

Dear Lord;

Our hearts are so tender and easily broken, and sometimes we just don't know how to react in situations that hurt us. The easiest, safest way is to hide from all the pain and withdraw into our shell, but when we do that we have the tendency to miss out on so many lovely treasures.

I praise You for allowing me the time to work through all the hurts in my life, and for always being there by my side, even if at times I wasn't able to see it. Father, I can’t imagine what it would be like to not have You or the support system You provide for me daily. I pray that if there’s anyone out there reading this who feels trapped, alone, or is dealing with a broken heart Your words will give them hope and healing.

Pour Your love out on them and help them to see that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Use me to help them in any way You see fit.

In Your name I pray, Amen

I'd love to offer you the option of having someone to talk to without judgment or fear.  Please feel free to contact me through my blog link.  You are loved.

Love Heals Your Heart, Third Day, from the album Wherever You Are, 2005, lyrics by Brad Avery

You are beautiful

This week's post comes from Salina at State of the Heart

Luke 16:15 "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight." (NIV)

We all like looking at pretty things; it’s hard to pass by a row of beautiful flowers without stopping to admire them, there’s nothing like seeing the look a groom gives his blushing bride, and sometimes that actor or actress on television or in a magazine draws our eyes for a second glance, but when it comes to true beauty where do we draw the line? Most of us probably struggle with self-worth, but whether the problem stems from worrying about our appearance, weight, or just overall negative thoughts we have about ourselves, it all combines to form an affliction that affects some women as badly as if they had a life threatening disease.

It’s true that the world has a preconceived notion of what it means to be beautiful, but as women when we believe we’re unable to live up to that notion, for some reason we feel like we're a failure. When we get to this point it's easy to allow someone else to tell us how we should look or how we’re supposed to feel. Before long, we start to believe the lies told about us, even if they come from our own subconscious. Listen to what Sharon Jaynes says in her book I’m Not Good Enough (& other lies women tell themselves) "The way you think about yourself will eventually become the way you see yourself, whether it’s true or false. If you tell yourself negative, distorted statements about yourself, you will act in negative, destructive ways."

I can guess what’s going through your mind right now. You’re sitting there thinking of sentences that start with "what if." What if I was prettier, funnier, slimmer, smarter, shorter, taller, or richer; this list could go on and on, but beloved God never intended for you to be perfect. In Luke 16:15 Jesus Himself said to us "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight." (NIV). When we choose to believe that beauty is only seen on the outside, we need to realize that these thoughts are nothing but hideous, ugly, revolting, and despicable in the eyes of God. He loves you and He wants you to give yourself a break. You are beautiful, you are smart, and you are strong.

You can be anything you want to be, but please don’t look at yourself through the eyes of men. God says He knows your heart, and you can believe He knows your value too. Sweetheart, hold your head high and put your trust in His truth. Learn to believe you’re beautiful just the way you are.

Please pray with me:

Father;
There are so many women out there who believe they fail to live up to what the world sets as a standard for being beautiful. My heart simply aches for them and I wish I could let them know otherwise.  Lord, I pray that You use me to help them look to You, their Maker and Designer, to remove these negative thoughts. Help them discover their true beauty and begin to love themselves as You love them. Encircle them in Your arms and allow them feel the comfort that only comes from You. 
In Your holy and precious name, Amen

I’m Not Good Enough..and Other Lies Women Tell Themselves – Sharon Jaynes pg 58-59 Harvest House Publishers Eugene, Oregon. 2009

God Is My Strength

This week's post comes from Kassie at Guiding Light From His Word

TODAY IN HIS WORD COMES FROM
(Acts 27:13-15 NIV)
When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they
had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.
Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the island.
The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind;
so we gave way to it and were driven along.

THOUGHT TO PONDER:
When we are hit with storms in this life, it is important to anchor our self to the One who is stable and can not be moved. It is a must for us to keep our focus on Him who calls us to "come." There is more to it than just the standard phrase of "you can either sink or swim..." Sometimes He calls us to have the faith to walk on water.

TODAY’S INSIGHT INTO HIS WORD:
One morning back in the middle of November of this last year, as I write this, I went to take my dogs out back. As I was chaining our one dog up, I felt the slightest breeze brush across my face. I remember smiling and looking up and taking a deep breath. Though the sun was shining, there was a definite chill in the air, not really cold but pretty nipping. And in the quietness of my heart I heard, "A Northeaster is blowing." I remember smiling and kinda laughing to myself, the soft breeze was nothing like a northeaster, so I chalked my thoughts up to being silly. About two hours later, I got on my computer to load the "Wednesday's with Beth" series I like to watch. As it came on, I curled up with my hot tea, notepad and Bible and got ready to be inspired. As the show Beth started introducing what she would be speaking about, and asked the viewers to turn to Acts 27 and look at verses 13-20. I hadn't quite gotten my Bible opened when I heard as she started talking about the Northeaster Storm that Paul was about to hit! Now needless to say I was speechless! I paused the program, opened up my Bible software and did a search for the word "Northeaster" to see how many times it talks about this. ONE time! It comes up exactly ONE time in the entire Bible-- and it just happened to be what Beth was teaching on this day! I got on my knees and asked God to open my ears to whatever it was He was trying to show me, and help me to understand His message He had for me. I also thanked Him for getting my attention.

Three weeks later the beginning of my storm hit, and when it did, it felt like the rug had been pulled out from underneath me, and I had been hit in the gut. For forty solid days all I could do was focus on breathing. The first thing that happened hurt so much that all I wanted to do was double over. After that it was as if someone had opened up the flood gates, because everything came colliding in from all directions right on top of me. There were some days I would open up my notebook and look at some of the things I had jotted down that morning in November, and I would go back and read Acts 27:13-44 over and over again. I would go and sit in my special prayer spot and just put my head down, and try to listen to God, but it seemed like there was nothing but silence in the midst of this all. I had to remind myself that God had warned me that I would hit a storm. I had to keep going back to those notes I had taken, and the indepth study I had done on Acts 27, and the storm that Paul went through. After many days I could say I knew exactly what it meant in verse 20 when it says, "When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved."

Instead of things getting better for me, it seemed as if everything went from bad to worse. In tears I would read out loud verses 22-25,  "But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island." Also, this is where I need to state that during this time, I haven't been able to write. When I work on these devotionals, or any writing projects, I spend a lot of time in prayer and studying. It is very important to me that when I write-- it is "God's Message" I feel I am sharing and not just my own words. So you might have noticed that there have been days when I did not post a devotional, or if I did, it was something I had written before calamity struck.

It has now been three months since my storm hit. Has my situation changed? In some ways, not really. He hasn't taken the ache from my side, but in other ways I can say that the pounding waves from all directions have let up, and like Paul I think I have "run aground on some island." However, at this point, I am happy for dry land. I can actually smile now and remind myself that a few years ago while I was getting ready to start writing, "The Very Heart of Worship" I prayed that God would give me faith to walk on water. I am here to tell you, I think He heard me! Now in saying this, I know that there will be some who will say, "Well be careful what you pray for..." but the thing is when we pray according to GOD'S WILL we can know it will be done. So apparently my prayer was according to His Will, and when the storm hit Jesus said, "Come." 

The reason I share all this with you today is really NOT to depress you, but to tell you that through this all; God's Word has proven true. He really does bind up the broken hearted. He really does give strength to the weary. In the evenings I have walked up to the top floor of my office and watched the sun go down, and it is as if God has said, "I really am bigger, and I have been here before." So often in the mornings as I take my youngest son to school, and I look out at the beautiful sky, I am reminded that His mercies are made new each day. And when He says, "My grace is sufficient," I have found that He really does hold you up. And each day, I have found renewed strength to take another step. I can honestly say that I have found that when I get the to very end of me, and I have absolutely NOTHING LEFT-- I find that God is there to do so much more. And I have found hope in "That all things are possible to those who believe." God truly has been my strength to get through. My friend, He will do the same for you.

My friend, if you are reading this devotional, then apparently you are not dead. So take comfort in the fact that because you are still breathing-- no matter how hard that breath may be to take-- God is not done. He is not finished with you yet, and each morning when you rise, know His mercies are made new, and there is still hope. He will give you strength to take yet another step until He gets you where He wants you to be, and until you come into ALL that He has for you. Remember that the one who calls you is Faithful. It is by HIS power, and not your strength, that mountains will move and obstacles will crumble, and a path for you will be made.

PRAYING IN FAITH:
Father God, thank You that You warn us of things to come. We just need but listen. Thank you for guiding us, and being with us. Thank You for holding us up, and seeing us through. Thank You Lord for Your strength and mercies that are extended to us each day. Lord, we praise You for  Your faithfulness and being a good God. Lord, we praise You for being our God. Lord, please be with this reader come what may, and help them to know You are by their side..
In Christ Jesus Name,
Amen.