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In Devotions

You Matter

December 8, 2019 No Comments

“But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.”

2 Timothy 4:17

I have a quote on my letter board in my home that says “we won’t be distracted by comparison if we are captivated with purpose” (Bob Goff)

When my six year old daughter asked me what “purpose” was I explained to her that it meant that every single person has something that they are meant to do with their lives. Something good. Something important.

She quickly responded, in her matter of fact way that “Daddy has a purpose. You have a purpose. I have a purpose and Zoey has a purpose” She was absolutely correct.

We are all dealt different hands in life, some good and some bad. But no matter what you have been given on this earth, YOU have a purpose. Your day today has a purpose. Your tomorrow has a purpose. The conversation you strike up with the cashier at your local grocery store has a purpose.

When you become too weak to stand, be reminded that God stands beside you, and will strengthen you, so that His purpose can be fulfilled in your life.

Every moment of your life is important. YOU are important. Your life matters.

Ignore the lie from the enemy that tells you that you are useless. Ignore the lie that tells you that you are unloved.

Forgotten.

A burden.

Unqualified.

You, precious woman of God, are absolutely loved by your Father. You have a destiny. You matter. You have a future. You can do incredible things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13)

Let me say it again, you matter.

Jesus, give me strength today. Help me to understand what is truth and what is a lie. Remind me today that you are always with me. You stand beside me, and you go before me. Help me to remember my calling.

In Devotions

Always Working

December 3, 2019 2 Comments

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

Philippians 1:6

There’s a song by Pat Barrett called “Canvas and Clay” and the ending of the songs says “you’re not finished with me, you’re not finished with me yet”

This has become my mantra.

God began his work in my life the moment I was conceived. He continued to work in my life while I ran from him, turning a deaf ear to his quiet whispers.

He was working in my life when I faced heartbreak, loss, and suffering. He was also working when I was succeeding and prospering.

He started the work.

He will also finish it.

The scripture above tells us that his work in us won’t be finished until he returns. That means that there’s always today and tomorrow to allow him to do something incredible in your life.

His plan and purpose for our lives is perfect. He knows best, and he only wants good for us.

Allow him to do a work in you today. Allow him to create something new in you, to heal and restore. Surrender your past and take a step forward today. His grace IS enough.

God, I give you all of me today, take every part of my life. I want your will to be done. Direct my steps and help me to be sensitive to your voice and to your leading.

In Devotions

One Step at a Time

November 11, 2019 2 Comments

“The LORD will continually lead you; he will feed you even in parched regions. He will give you renewed strength, and you will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring that continually produces water” (Isaiah 58:11, New English Translation).

Have you ever thought how great it would be to know the future, to see what lies ahead in your life? Or do you find that thought a little scary? Psychologists say most people prefer not to know their future, whether thinking of the good things or the difficult things that might be coming their way. I’m sure there are times we’d all like to see a little farther down the road, hoping for better things ahead.

I once lived in an area which seemed to have more power outages than other neighborhoods, possibly due to the numerous large trees near power lines. I learned to keep flashlights in strategic spots around the house for those times. To make my way through the dark rooms, I would shine the light downward just ahead of my feet. If I aimed it high across the room, I might miss something on the floor and stumble. The same holds true when walking a dark path in the woods. We watch where to place our feet as we take the next step and keep the light low. Perhaps David thought of this when he wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, NKJV). As I heard in a recent sermon, God is a lamp to our feet, not a spotlight. He shows us one step at a time.

Why do you think God only shows us the path just in front of us rather than the whole road? Only He knows the full story, but here are two possible reasons.

Not knowing allows us to learn trust.

Difficult times allow us to learn and to grow. Our character is also revealed in how we embrace the good times in life. Both seasons allow us to discover new things about ourselves and gain maturity. Both allow us to develop our faith and dependence on God, although in different ways.

Not knowing gives us the joy of surprise.

Why is a wrapped gift more exciting than someone just handing us the same item unwrapped? The joy of surprise and discovery. God does that when He brings good gifts into our lives. He wants to surprise us with joy.

I may never see beyond the next step, but that’s okay. The future will hold disappointments and heartache, but I will also find times of laughter and happiness somewhere around the bend. It doesn’t matter where the path leads as long as God is on the path with me. Psalm 37:23-24 promises, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand” (NKJV).

As you walk your path, don’t be discouraged if the light on your feet only shows the next step or two. Take comfort that the light will reveal what you need to know in this present moment. As the old hymn tells us, I know who holds tomorrow. And that’s sufficient!