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A Sunday Devotional

Hi friend! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday. It’s been a while since I’ve written but will be posting more this week. I am currently reading through an Amy Carmichael Devotional nd this one was such a good reminder to trust and rest in God’s peace. Be encouraged!

Strong consolation.

Heb. 6:18

Everlasting consolation.

2 Thess. 2:16

These two familiar words ring in our hearts like bells. Dr. Way translates “strong
consolation” as all-prevailing encouragement. And he speaks of the hope of our heart as an anchor on which our soul rides safely: it cannot slip, it cannot break.

Everlasting consolation, what a word of joy that is! Some of us are tempted to wonder about the future. We
look ahead, and imagine, and fear. For us there is something especially vital in this
great thought of consolation that is not for today only, but for endless tomorrows.

Another word was written surely for any of us who are looking beyond the borders of
today: Isaiah 26:3–4. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind (imagination) is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for
in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.

Strong consolation.

Everlasting consolation.

Everlasting strength.

Articles, Daily Inspirations, Devotionals, Holidays, Tis the Season Series

Tis the Season – Jesus Christ is Born

I had this post ready to schedule to post on Christmas Day. However, I had to go to the Emergency Room because my stoma with the ileostomy prolapsed. They sent me home but now worse. Please pray for the doctors to agree to treat me if needed, and for my parents and I to have the wisdom and knowledge we need. All that to say, I am especially thankful for this Christmas and even in the hard I was able to have some quality time with the family which is a huge blessing.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy this post and it helps bring joy and peace to your day. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.

Holidays have always been a favorite of mine, especially Christmas. I’m thankful to have grown up in a home where my parents were an example of Jesus’ love to me every day. Over Christmas they always focused on making sure I understood the importance of the season and as I’ve matured over the years the Christmas story means more to me now than Ever.

As I’ve been pondering on the Christmas story, I am so thankful and humbled by all of the people God used to help us experience His love, forgiveness, and Eternal life.

Each time I read the story I am always challenged and encouraged by Mary. Her willingness to obey the Lord and to trust God with the task given to her was amazing. While we do not know much about Mary, or have in depth evidence of her thoughts and actions, she was a young teenager and one can somewhat imagine what her struggles might have been. Being human I am sure she had her moments of “why me,” “what will people think,” “ how am I going to deal with this opposition, and convince Joseph and the family of my faithfulness, etc.” But regardless of the challenges she was met with, and there were many, she put God and her obedience to Him above all else. She responds to the Lord’s calling by stating, “May it be to me as you have said.” I love that statement and it has
been especially important in my life lately.

God is giving me so much comfort, peace, and joy. Being home bound there are many lonely days — days where I feel misunderstood, forgotten, or see no end in sight. But the hope of Jesus and the little ways He encourages me, agets me through the next step, then the next,etc. Those are the best gifts. Believe me the peace, strength, and joy that I am given each day from this bed is not from my strength but is all from God’s strength and healing powers.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” ~Luke 2:10-13

“Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.” ~Corrie Ten Boom

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Advent, Articles, Devotionals, Holidays

Let Every Heart Ptepare Him Room – Joy

Below is an article that I wrote a long time ago but I thought it would be applicable to share today as well. Wheeever you are or whatever circumstances you find yourself in during this Christmas season, take some time to make room for Christ and reflect on His holiness and the life He gives each of us. Christmas is eight days away but Jesus should be worshipped an adored every day of the year and not just on December 25. True joy can only come from Jesus and that joy helps us get through every season whether good or bad. I hope you enjoy today’s post and that you are encouraged.

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” ~Luke 2:10-11

Joy. The Bible calls us to have joy every single day. Philippians 4:4 says to rejoice always. Even when we do not feel like it we are supposed to rejoice. That sounds good until you are going through a really hard season and then it just plain rough.

I have found myself during many sleepless nights saying “But God my health is terrible can’t you have a little sympathy? I don’t feel like rejoicing right now. What is joyful in this?” Some others may be saying, “but God my job is so hard and this is not at all where I thought I would be right now in my life. I am miserable and don’t know what my purpose is. When will one of my dreams finally come true?” Or “but God married life is not what I thought it would be. What happened to living happily ever after? I just don’t love him anymore or feel loved. And lastly, “but God I am in my 30s and STILL single. I have dreamed of being married for years and being a helpmate to someone. When will it be my turn already? ”

All of these scenarios many have experienced, and none of these make it easy to have joy, and are even worse during the holidays. How can we rejoice at Christmas when life is in shambles? This past week I was diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth virus, a bladder infection, and a bacterial infection. This is not at all how I wanted to spend my days leading up to Christmas. After the year I have had I wanted a bit of a break.

However, that is when God so gently reminded me yet again that —

Joy is not defined by the circumstances of life. Joy is simply Jesus. Joy is found in the tiny baby who was born in a manger. Joy is found in the one who lowered himself to be a servant and washed the disciples feet. Joy is found in Him who performed many miracles. Joy is found in the man who died on the cross and in the Savior who rose again. Joy is found in Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

When I take the focus off myself and put it on the Lord my circumstances suddenly feel lighter. As we focus on the greatness of Jesus and what He has done for us — our circumstances will not always change, but our perspective towards them will. Then, a great joy that we didn’t think was possible will fill our hearts and minds. Also, along with that joy the Lord will give His strength to help us walk the hard roads in a way that is honoring to Him.

As Christmas week is approaching take time to dwell on the only one who can make your joy complete.

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Holidays, Hope a Little More Series

Hope a Little More Series – Thanksgiving Everyday

Happy Tuesday! Below is a post that I wrote one year ago but I thought it would be good to share again today as we close out the month of November. Even though Thanksgiving was on Thursday we do not need to lose the gratitude. Try not to let the hustle and bustle of the month of December make you lose focus.

Keep your eyes on Jesus and praise Him for who He is and what He has done.

Thankgiving Evetyday

Thanksgiving week is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the family time, food, and the fellowship. It is such a joyful time for me, and this year I am more thankful for the life God has given me than ever before. Leading up to Thanksgiving, I have been reading and journaling about the goodness, power, and majesty of God. I have been reminded during my time with Him that He alone is worthy to be praised, and if I had no other reason to be thankful — He is ALWAYS enough! He is worthy of all my praise and thankfulness each and every day of the year.

During my time in the word over the last week I have settled on Psalm 104 over and over again. The first couple verses of this passage always draw me in:

Psalm 104: 1-2, 5:

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

O Lord my God, You are very great:
You are clothed with honor and majesty,

Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment,
Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain.

You who laid the foundations of the earth,
So that it should not be moved forever.

And then verses 31-34 :

May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
May the Lord rejoice in His works.

He looks on the earth, and it trembles;
He touches the hills, and they smoke.

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
May my meditation be sweet to Him;
I will be glad in the Lord.

The entire passage displays the great power of God in creation, and gives a glimpse of His glory and majesty. When I read verses such as these I am humbled because it shows me how great my God is and how small I am. It is easy to get consumed with current circumstances and forget to praise the One who gives us the strength we need to press on. We may pray, but at times, I think we have all been guilty of pouring out our needs to Jesus but not actually praising Him. I have noticed that the more I read about who God is and spend time in His presence giving Him praise — my worries and circumstances no longer seem as overwhelming.

Because of who Jesus is and what He did for us on the cross, He deserves to be thanked and praised every day and not just on Thanksgiving.

LcjNo matter what may be going on in our lives, the Gospel alone is enough for me to give Him praise for because that is the best gift I will ever receive. Spend some time today in the word reading Psalm 104, and praise Jesus for who He is and for His great power. Make it a habit to start thanking Him daily. I can assure you that the simple act of praising Jesus will always give peace to your overwhelmed heart.

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Hope a Little More Daily Quotes, Hope a Little More Series

Happy Thanksgiving 2017

Hey friends today is one of my favorite days of the entire year. As I dwell on the year I’m reminded of all those who have prayed and encouraged me. The support I’ve received makes me think of the following Bible verse.

I thank God every time I remember you” ~Philippians 1:3.

This year has held both joy and sorrow, and has been difficult to say the least. However, Jesus has given me the strength each day to endure, and surrounded me with His protection. I thank God everyday for the wonderful people He has blessed my life with in 2017. I am forever grateful to my parents who have been my caregivers, my Gran who stays with me twice weekly, and to my friends and family who have encouraged me on the hard days. I thank God for each of you and you are a gift to me.

Also, please check out my my other Thanksgiving post from yesterday here.

Oh but this post would not be complete without giving my aunt Ellen a shout out and sharing a fun family memory/tradition. Auntie I do apologize for not sharing this in yesterday’s post because I know how much you love this (insert sarcasm here..ha)!

When my mom and aunt were younger my mom and other family used to sing this song to Ellen and she pretty much hated it. It’s one of those cute, stupid things that families laugh about for years.that no one outside the family understands but it’s funny anyways. So here goes –

“Today is turkey day it’s Ellens holiday and we will laugh and sing and do all kinds of things.”

I hope each of you are able to laugh today and enjoy quality time with those you love. As one of my favorite verses states,

“in everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

~1 Thessalonians 5:24

For some encouraging devotionals and posts on gratitude, be sure to read my series – “31 Days of Thanksgiving.” I have been so grateful for each person who participated in this series by sharing their stories. The Lord has used each of them to comfort my soul, and I pray they do the same for you.

Hsppy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Articles, Books, Devotionals, Holidays, Let it Be Christmas

Christmas Makeover Book Review

About the book –

Give your Christmas a makeover with this practical approach to help your family learn what it means to truly celebrate their Savior.
In the bustle of the Christmas season, it can be easy to get swept up in all of the things to do. But it’s important to pause and remember that our priority should be to spend time celebrating Christ’s birth and not forget to invite Jesus to his own party.
Christmas is far more than a celebration of an event from long ago or a modern holiday centered around shopping. Mindfully take time to listen to how God continues to speak through the Christmas story as the Gospel narratives centered around the birth of Jesus provide encouragement and revelation concerning the love of God and his wisdom for us today.
In Total Christmas Makeover, author and Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra provides a practical approach for you and your family to turn your attention toward God’s grace day-by-day as you prepare for Christmas. This 31-day devotional presents key scriptures, ideas to implement with each reading, and questions for reflection to guide you in rediscovering rituals, relationship, and rest to connect you more deeply with Christ this holiday season.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

My Thoughts –

This book is an explanation and a perfect example of what the Christmas season should be about which is Christ. It is a wonderful book that shares how the family can draw closer to the Savior and how to fix your mind and traditions around Christ. This is perfect for a family wanting to read something encouraging during the Christmas season.

I was given this book from Litfuse.

About the Author –

Melissa Spoelstra is a popular women’s conference speaker, Bible teacher, and writer who is madly in love with Jesus and passionate about helping women of all ages to seek Christ and know Him more intimately through serious Bible study. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Bible Theology and enjoys teaching God’s Word to diverse groups and churches within the body of Christ. She is the author of the “First Corinthians: Living Love When We Disagree,” “Joseph: The Journey to Forgiveness,” and “Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World Bible” studies and “Total Family Makeover: 8 Steps to Making Disciples at Home” book. She lives in Dublin, Ohio, with her pastor husband and four kids.
Find out more about Melissa at https://melissaspoelstra.com.

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Hope a Little More Series

Hope a Little More Series – Laugh at the Future

“She laughs without fear of the future.” ~Proverbs 31:23

Lately I have been dwelling on the verse in Proverbs 31 that states, “She laughs without fear of the future.” This verse hits me hard in this season of Thanksgiving. 2017 has been extremely hard for me health wise. In 2016. I remember praying that 2017 be the year of healing and restoration. While that hadn’t happened in the way I imagined, the Lord has brought healing in multiple ways.

Yes, I am still sick and physically worse than one year ago.

Yes, I am on Hospice and could realistically meet Jesus in Heaven sooner rather than later.

Yes, there are many hard days and ugly cries.

Yes, most importantly Jesus is bigger than all these things — Jesus is my life. Without Him I would be lost without hope so these are some things I’m thankful for that overcomes any hardship I’ve previously mentioned and any hardship experienced in the future —

Jesus holds me and comforts me through the pain. He provides exactly what I need to get through every minute of every day.

Jesus knows my life span. He knew the day I would be born and also knows the day I will die. No matter the circumstances, or how hopeless things may seem, I will not leave this earth one minute before my time. Jesus was completely in control yesterday, today, and forever. No sickness or hard circumstance changes that truth.

Jesus knows my joys and the sorrows the Lord is always near. He knows and understand my heartaches and binds up my broken heart.

Jesus will always give me the joy and peace and the ability I need to laugh at the future with each new day. However, most days when I wake up that is impossible in my own strength but I’m thankful to serve a God who makes the impossible possible. I have to die to self every day and surrender to Him in order to have the attitude I need to get through every moment. Have I failed at this? Yes, many times, but when I let God carry me and not hold on so tight to self and my desires, my days are much better. My circumstances may not change but my ability to hope and laugh about today and not worry about my future takes a load off my already tired body. This allows me to live with freedom and not fear.

Surrendering to Jesus helps me live in freedom, not fear, and gives me the ability and the joy to laugh at the future. There is nothing better than that.

No matter the season of life you are in or what you are facing, surrender to Jesus and allow Him to lighten the load and give you a renewed sense of joy. I promise it will be worth it.

Devotionals

Daily Inspirations -9.27.17

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Friendship, The View Looks Fine From Here

Compare No More

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” ~Proverbs 4:23

The snare of compare. I think it’s easy to say that at some point in our life we all have been guilty of comparing ourselves with others especially when life is not going our way. I know for me as I’ve been home and bed bound, I have to guard what goes into my mind even more so. For example, I limit my time on Facebook and Instagram. By nature I am a social person and enjoy visiting friends and traveling, and I would love to be able to go on vacation this summer because I have not been on one in years. However, due to my finances and sickness, it probably won’t happen for a while. In my weaker moments when I see pictures of people vacationing with wonderful scenery and good food, I have to check my heart because my flesh is envious. Sometimes I think, “God, why can’t I do something fun and relaxing like that. ” For you, you may be trying to conceive but God has still not allowed you to be pregnant, and if you see one more pregnancy announcement on Facebook you might explode. Or for you single ladies (me included), you’ve waited and prayed for a Godly spouse and are in your 30s with no prospects, but you witness wedding after wedding and attend engagement parties while feeling a bit sad or jealous on the inside. Also, after working hard in your job, the desired promotion was given to someone else, and your house does not meet the expectations of Joanna Gaines. Every time you see Fixer Upper you become discontent with the house God has provided because it is not big or fancy enough.

As you are reading this, I’m sure you could add many more examples to the list but these are the ones I first thought of. I have had many talks with my girlfriends about this very topic so I know these are real struggles for folks. Having these desires and goals are not bad. In fact, God delights in each of these desires, and we should rejoice with our loved ones and friends when God blesses them in these areas. However, the problem comes in when you allow your situation or trial to consume and overwhelm you. In turn this allows discontentment, jealousy, worry, and anger to take root and what flows out of your heart from them is not pleasing to the Lord. The sinful actions that come from these emotions are not from God.

Over the years I have learned that what you think is the perfect life is not. Social media makes it super easy to paint a picture of the ideal life. Design apps make it easy for our pictures to look perfect. All we need to do is choose the right filter, but in reality everyone has struggles. We may see the pictures on a Facebook or Instagram, but we don’t see the life that happened before and after the picture was taken. I can assure you that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Because I’ve been physically sick for so long, and limited in my location — in order to keep contentment and peace of mind and heart, I am very selective in what I read, watch, or listen to. If anything I do reminds me what my life is lacking and stirs up discontent then I don’t need to do it. Right now life is hard enough without adding discontentment and bitterness in the mix. My days can be long and limited but constantly dwelling on things I want but do not have, and living in the land of what-ifs is not helpful or glorifying to God. When I start feeling this way I read the Word and pray which helps my perspective and allows joy to flow out of the heart. Just like the verse mentioned above from Proverbs 4:23 states, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”

So compare no more and live in peace with the life and gifts God has blessed you with. Share those gifts with others and see how the Lord is glorified when the focus is off of self! I’m cheering you on. Have a great week!

Devotionals

Somewhere Down the Road

Sometimes life can be just plain hard. Sometimes answers do not come. Sometimes we wonder if they ever will. In these moments fear can take the place of peace in our hearts, and fear can rule in place of Jesus Christ. The older I get and the more life I live, I am reminded all the more that peace does not come from the material things we possess, relationships we have, health, or financial security, etc.

No, true peace only comes from Jesus.

Over the last year I feel that my life has been stripped away, and much like the changing of seasons, the Lord has been changing my life and maturing me into a stronger woman for Him. It seems like everything that I have put confidence in has been removed by God, but it has also drawn me closer to Him and shown me what is really important.

A life lived for God is not meant to be a life lived in ease. A life lived for God is meant to be a life surrendered to the Father saying not my will but yours be done.

That also includes accepting and rejoicing in suffering. In the midst of trials and uncertainty, fear can tend to take over. However, God commands us throughout His word, “Do not fear,” and “do not be afraid” (Joshua 1:9). We may not know what is ahead but He does. So in whatever you may be going through today, “cast your cares on Him for he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Surrender your life to Him — your struggles, your joys, everything. He is strong enough to handle them, so let Him. We may not understand all of God’s plans on this side of Eternity but one day we will. As one of my favorite songs from Amy Grant says,

“Somewhere down the road,

There’ll be answers to the questions.

Somewhere down the road,

Though we cannot see it now.