The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (Psalms 34:18 NLT)

There are things in this world that happen, that I’ll never understand. I won’t claim to understand.

This I know, My Savior.. My Redeemer, is GOOD.

The truth is that this world that we live in is broken and sinful. So much so, that God sent His one and Only Son, Jesus… Immanuel.. To save us.

John 3:16,17 ~ “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

Jesus means, The Lord Saves.

Immanuel means, God With Us.

When trials come.. And they will…

When circumstances are sometimes awful.. And that’s a guarantee…

When bad things happen to good and innocent people and children, we can rest in the fact that this is NOT our home. If you know Jesus, and most importantly, if HE knows you… This broken and sin-filled world is only temporary. Our real home is HEAVEN.

John 16:33 ~ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

While we are here though… Let’s live right. As my father in law shared at Granny Shiver’s funeral; When asked if she had any advice for us on living our lives.. She said : “Just Do Right..Do right.”

That’s pretty good advice if you ask me.

Just do right. Just forgive. Just live. Just let bygones be bygones. Hold the ones you love close. Tell them you love them.. Show them that you love them with actions. And.. JUST DO RIGHT.

Even when you don’t understand the why’s… Just Do Right.

And remember… We are just passing through. There’s two final destinations.. Heaven or Hell. Although those are great words of advice.. “Just Do Right” won’t get you to Heaven. Truly knowing and following HIM will. So, do you know HIM and as Granny witnessed.. Does HE know you?

See, when asked if she knew for sure about her place in eternity, she said “oh yeah, I know Jesus and HE knows me.“

Trust HIS promises that are found in The Word. Rest in HIM. “The Lord Saves” AND “God With Us”

Hebrews 13:6 ~ So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

We don’t have to understand.. We just have to trust God.

Until Next Time,

Heather

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV84)

Today… I am thankful for so many things and Granny Shiver tops the list.

Our Granny Shiver passed this earth and entered into HIS presence this morning. I guarantee you there’s a party going on!!

Granny.. Or Grandma.. Or Mama or Hilda.. However you may have known her.. I knew her as a strong and loving woman. A lady who accepted me as one of her own.. (Even though I wasn’t her grandchild by blood) She loved life and she loved the Giver of Life! It was evident. Her actions proved what her lips professed.

Granny possessed a strength that can only come from a real relationship with her Heavenly Father. That strength got her through many losses..many tough times in her life. That strength was Jesus in her.

But you know what? I’m gonna quote her: “I can let it make me bitter or better.” She chose better!

She knew how to live. She lived with no inhibitions. She loved with all she had & would even give you whatever she had. Granny was loved by many.

I’m better for having known her. She lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great grands… Her legacy will remain!

See.. God was first. She had her priorities straight. She missed her husband every single day since he left this earth and entered into the presence of Jesus. She took care of him while he was here. She raised her family.. And she did it well.

She could make the best homemade lemonade… Banana pudding.. Cobbler.. Mayhaw jelly. (Remember the room filled with jars) .. The list goes on.

Her thumb was green.. not brown like mine. She loved her flowers.

Oh and her grapevines! Man..

She loved her family! All of us.. Blood or not.. She loved!

I’m not even going to try to list everything.

Too many memories.

Too many things and funny stories to list.

I’m thankful to have married into this family.

Something tells me that she and Granddaddy danced a little jig and ran into each others arms when she took her last breath here. I bet it was beautiful!

The Bible says:

John 10:27-29~ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

Those verses bring comfort and assurance.

I’m thankful that God put my husband and I together. Through a friendship that I had with his cousin. I love our family. I’m blessed with my family and my family by marriage..

I’m so proud of our family. We may not get together as often as we used to, but when there’s a reason to celebrate or a tragedy strikes.. This family unites and stands behind one another. Unity.

I can’t close without saying that I’m so thankful that Granny was an authentic Follower of Jesus! What comfort to know where she is and that all who are also authentic followers, will see her and Granddaddy (or Pepa) again!

So.. I have to ask…Do you know my Jesus? Are you really following Him? Don’t waste another minute of uncertainty.. Don’t waste another minute living with doubt or living without the peace and assurance of truly Knowing HIM.

And one more thing: Do you really love?
Do your actions prove what your lips profess? It’s not too late.. To love.

Thankful and Blessed..

Until Next Time,

Heather

Maybe you’ve heard of Dr. Gary Chapman’s book, The 5 Love Languages. The first time I heard of it, my husband and I were on a church couples retreat. Wow, it was eye-opening. Basically, I learned what my husband’s and my own love languages were. {You know, like what makes you feel loved by your husband/wife.}

Acts of Service
Words of affirmation
Receiving Gifts
Quality Time
Physical Touch

Here is the website that you can go to at your convenience and take the quiz…
www.5lovelanguages.com

It says to give yourself 15-20 minutes to take it. May not take you that long..

My primary love language is WORDS OF AFFIRMATION . Makes sense.. Because even though it shouldn’t matter, words of affirmation ARE very important to me. I hate to admit that.. Let’s be real clear though..I am not talking about empty words or words that you know are not sincere..I’m not talking about flattery..

I love to GIVE them and yes, it makes me feel good to receive them.

It’s one of the reasons why writing words are important to me. WORDS.

It’s one of the reasons that hearing that I’ve done a good job at something makes me feel good.

Words.

It’s one of the reasons that I’m compelled to encourage.

Words.

Why does it even matter, though? Why does it hurt sometimes?

Isn’t God enough? (YES)

Why is it important that I “hear” the words of mere man?

I don’t know the answer to all of those questions. I do know this.. One of my spiritual gifts is encouragement. And because words of affirmation mean a lot to me, I “love” others in this same language. Or, I try to. I still fail. I do need to listen more and talk less.

So, maybe my love language goes along with my gifts. WE ALL HAVE A SPIRITUAL GIFT if we are authentic believers in Christ Jesus. He didn’t skip over you. But, that’s another topic for another blog post on another day.

I really do believe that by knowing your spouse’s and even children’s and friends love languages, that you are learning how to make the ones you love actually “feel loved” by you.Makes life a lot easier and helps you to understand why you are the way you are and why others are the way that they are. Helps you to tune in to the needs of others. Doesn’t mean that you have to walk on eggshells, but it will make you aware. Who doesn’t want to feel loved? We all do…

Yet, we must remember that GOD is enough. GOD IS LOVE. HE really IS enough for me. Abundance of WORDS or a lack of WORDS is NOT where my JOY is found. Sure, they make me feel loved ( when they are sincere)…and sometimes happy..But, I don’t depend on them to bring me the JOY that can only be found in HIM.

Happiness and JOY are not the same.. Happiness is based on circumstances but Joy is based on the LORD. Happiness is like exchanging gifts and having fun at Christmastime..Joy is really GETTING and knowing what Christmas is all about. Happiness is if the line is short in front of you and JOY is finding peace even in a long line of waiting. Happiness is not falling in a mud puddle and JOY is falling in it and brushing yourself off and not letting it ruin your day.

Philippians 4:19 ~ And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Even if others aren’t meeting our love language needs..God can and does! God never changes. He’s the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. People are fickle. People DO change. But, GOD NEVER DOES.

Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) ~ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

God created us to be relational. Relational with HIM first and then relational with others. To do this, we have to know how to relate to others.

Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 ~ Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

So…if you want to..take the quiz.. You can even comment on here and let me know what you discovered about yourself! I would love to hear from you!

                 UNTIL NEXT TIME,

Sometimes, I regress.

There are days that I find myself crawling back to my little comfort zone. The one that wants to just hide out from the rest of the world. The one that held me captive for many years.

The place where I am safe from rejection. Safe from criticism. Safe from being uncomfortable.

 And, I wonder:  WHY do I do this? 

Then, it hits me. That is just the enemy trying to pull me down.

I remember that moment when God called me to surrender. To start living completely for Him and to quit allowing myself to feel like I am not capable.

See, THE same power that conquered death on the cross, lives IN ME.

I forget that sometimes. That HE is holding my hand.

I have JESUS with me at all times. So, I rest in the fact that even on the days that I don’t feel capable. Even on the days when I feel defeated..that The Holy Spirit…Jesus..God..is with me. He never leaves. He never gives up. His love never changes. He can’t love me any more or any less than HE already does. That, my friends is FACT. That, my friends is HOPE.

 Hebrews 13:8 (NLT) ~ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

 So, I ask you… Are you hiding out? Are you living in chains?

   That’s not really living, by the way. 

There is freedom in stepping out of your comfort zone.

There is true freedom and peace in resting in THE ONE who always loves “the same”.

There is peace in realizing that you don’t have to “fit in” with everybody else.

When you realize that you don’t have to live your life “pleasing” people, the chains fall off. When you are able to rest in the fact that pleasing God is of most importance…self starts to take a back seat and the insecurities stop mattering so much. (Face it..we all have insecurities.) Our insecurities can’t be an excuse for our disobedience. Not if we are authentic Christians. 

 Who are you trying to please? What do you need to release? 

 Galatians 1: 10 (NLT) ~ Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

 Until Next Time,

I woke up really early this morning. If you know me very well, then you know that 4:45 a.m. is very very early for me. My dog woke me up first…she’s a 6 year old toy poodle that occasionally likes to wake me up so that she can go out and graze like a horse.

Usually I go take her out, but being that my husband was going to be getting up shortly to go play basketball, I asked him nicely to take her. I thought I was going to go back to sleep. God had other plans.

My heart began to just ache for those who are going through different trials in their lives. There are so many that I know personally, who are facing difficult times. I can’t just forget about it…my heart actually gets burdened for their sorrow. I think…NO..I KNOW that is how God wants us to be. He wants us to love on the hurting. He uses us to comfort those who are hurting or uneasy.

I know that when I have suffered. When I have been hurting. When I have cried out to God in my lowest times..those times when I felt like I couldn’t go on… God heard my cry. He heard me! AND…He used people to comfort me.

People. Like YOU and ME. Ordinary people to do HIS work.

Back to this morning….

Names were placed on my heart. I began to pray. As I prayed, I weeped. As I weeped, I was overcome with HIS GOODNESS. (those of you who know me..also know that I am not a big “weeper“) Not that there is anything wrong with crying.. It’s just that I am the girl who when my Daddy was walking me down the aisle..and He was crying..I got tears in my eyes too..but I wouldn’t let them fall. Guess I have a problem with trying to be strong. That is another topic, for another day though.

Words to a song also came to my mind. So, I did what most of us do…I Googled some of the words. The song, by Matt Redman…”O This God” is the song that I know God put in my head. See…HE knew that many of you needed it. Songs are a great way to Worship our Savior God. They have a way of just running through our head all day, don’t they?

Then, two passages of Scripture were put on my heart. Read them..Study them. Let them soak into your soul. Believe them. Rest in these words. May they bring comfort to you..whoever you are…

Matthew 28:20 (NLT) ~ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

   Psalm 34:19 (NLT) ~ The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time.

   I don’t know if you will think that I am sharing too much with you about my time with God this morning. I write. That is what I do. When my heart is heavy or when GOD gives me a “word” ….I write. I share. Because I feel that HE wants me to. So, when I share these personal times with you..It is ONLY to bring glory to my GOD.

Before I attempted going back to sleep, I told HIM that I wanted MORE of HIM and LESS of ME. That even though it hurts sometimes, that I WANT my heart to ALWAYS break for what breaks HIS heart.

   When trouble comes, I pray…I plead with you…Please.. TRUST HIM. Rest in God. HE really does hear your cry.

Here is the song. Listen and enjoy!

10 O This God

   Until Next Time,

You probably are wondering why in the world I chose the title above. Truth is, I didn’t. In fact, I woke up around 3 A.M. and God gave me this title. So, here we go.

Never say never. The “objects” that you are seeing occur in other people’s lives can very easily occur in yours as well. I had a vision of a mirror with many different words written on it. Picture it with me:

SIN. LOSS. BETRAYAL. HURT. FEAR.

SIN…ADDICTION…IDOLATRY…GREED..GOSSIP…HATRED…SLANDER

ADDICTION…LUST, EXCESSIVE SPENDING, OVEREATING, ALCOHOL ADDICTION, DRUG ADDICTION, PORNOGRAPHY, ADULTERY and the list goes on and on.

The objects in the mirror can be closer than they appear.

Closer than they appear to you. Closer than they appear to others.

They all are a part of the battle we are in..against Flesh. SPIRITUAL WARFARE. Satan wants us to fail. He wants us to be separated from God.

Ephesians 6:11 ~ Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Never say never my friends. Always be on guard against the Devil and his schemes. Your mirror may appear to be clean..but is it really?

If there is SIN in your life that you think is “HIDDEN”, you are mistaken. Forgive me for speaking so boldly. It isn’t meant to sound judgemental in any way, shape, or form. I say these things because I truly care. I know what it is to be truly surrendered to God. AND… I know what it is to not be surrendered.

You can say, “Oh, I HAVE surrendered to GOD.” Your actions will prove it though. You know. God knows.

James 2:17 (NIV) ~ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

When you face a trial, do you have true and complete peace in knowing that God really is enough? Do you truly feel that you are filled with Joy that can’t be explained any other way? Are you able to smile when the “world” would tell you to hide and fall apart?

There is a difference. In the way you handle life’s awful storms. When you finally…truly…SURRENDER ALL.

There’s a peace…an Anchor, if you will. To be able to smile and have hope…when before you might have done the opposite. It’s the result of full Surrender.

“  Oh, nobody knows about my “little” sin. ” “It doesn’t hurt anybody but me.” “ I still love God.” “ I am saved, so I can do it and just ask Him to forgive me..I mean..it says He forgives when I ask.”  AND here’s a huge one.. ” I am just too weak.”

Those are all lies. Satan wants you and me to believe those things. The fact is, SIN is anything that separates us from God. Separated.

Separated…think about it. To be apart from…cut off…

I don’t ever want that. I need my Father God. Every minute of every single day.

It is a conscious CHOICE. There is that word again that I seem to use a lot in my posts.

The moment you decide to follow God, the Holy Spirit comes to guide you. Sin that you don’t get rid of is like a wall of heavy stones. The stones are stacked one on top of the other. With each stone the wall gets higher and higher. Each time you CHOOSE sin over righteousness, picture that wall being built that separates you from God. Leaving you miserable and ineffective for His calling on your life. Ineffective only until you SURRENDER to God fully. When you do, you’ll be able to resist the temptations and even laugh at them.. Not because YOU are resisting, but because YOU are allowing God to finally fight your battles!

Ephesians 5:11 (NIV) ~ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of the darkness, but rather expose them.

Honestly, I would like to write out the entire portion of Ephesians 5…but, instead…just read it if you will..

If you want to truly follow God, you have to make a choice to pick Him over that temptation. God knows we aren’t perfect…and He knows we can’t do life alone. We need HIM. He doesn’t NEED us.

It’s a DAILY CHOICE…minute by minute…second by second… A Daily Walk.

Galatians 5:16 ~ So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

   I leave you with this last passage of Scripture. Read it …soak on it..and believe it. His Word is Truth..His Word is Alive.

1 Peter 5:7-11 ~ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered for a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

   Standing Firm!

   Until Next Time,

   Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) ~ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

   Paul was writing to the church of Ephesus because of how the people were treating each other. Even though some were Christians, they were still saying some bad words and some unkind things to and about each other. Paul was telling them what God told him to say.

   This verse applies to all of us today as well. God’s Word is timeless..and it is Truth.

   Years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting and listening to the author of a book called Silver Boxes. Her name is Florence Littauer, and she spoke at a church here where I live. The book is fantastic and I highly recommend it!

   Silver Boxes is based on the verse : Ephesians 4:29. I want to share the poem that is in the front of her book. It’s kind of long, so hang with me.

                                               SILVER BOXES

   My words were harsh and hasty and they came without a thought.

   Then I saw the pain and anguish that my bitter words had brought.

   Bitter words that I had spoken made me think back through the past;

   Of how many times I’d uttered biting words whose pain would last.

   Then I wondered of the people I had hurt by things I’d said;

   All the ones I had discouraged when I didn’t use my head.

   Then I thought about my own life, of painful words I’ve heard;

   And of the times I’d been discouraged by a sharp and cruel word.

   And now clearly I remember, all the things I might have done;

   But, by a word I was discouraged and they never were begun.

   Lord, help my words be silver boxes, neatly wrapped up with a bow;

   That I give to all so freely, as through each day I gladly go.

   Silver boxes full of treasure, precious gifts from God above;

   That all the people I encounter might have a box of God’s own love.

   Written by: Michael Bright 1989

   Pretty powerful, huh? How true… We all have hurt others with words, be it intentional or not. We all have been hurt by words, be it intentional or not. What if, though, we ALL chose to be INTENTIONAL about taking Ephesians 4:29 to heart.

   I encourage you to print this out and keep it as a reminder. Read the verse daily. Read the poem daily. I am going to make it a point to do it as well.

   It is so easy to let a word slip from our mouths that can discourage or hurt someone. I don’t want to be that person ever again. Do you? I am sure your answer is NO as well. We all know how it feels to be hurt by words. Yes, it’s also true that once spoken, they can’t be taken back. Don’t let that discourage you though. God is merciful and forgiving and He allows us to admit our faults and start over!

   I want my home to be a haven. A place of peace. That is how it should be. Is it always? No, unfortunately not. See, even in the place that should be the safest (our homes), there are words that are spoken sometimes that hurt or discourage. When kids are fussing or when husbands and wives are fussing, words are often weapons. They shouldn’t be. They should be used ONLY for building up…not tearing down.

   As God put this on my heart to share with all of you, He also put it on my heart to share with my little family as well. So, I am going to do a devotion time with my family on this specific verse..for me, for them and for everyone else that any of us will encounter in our lives. This one verse, if applied to your life, can change everything. My hope is that each one of you reading this, will be inspired to do the same.

   In Chapter 1 of the book Silver Boxes, Frances Littauer says: “What a beautiful thought! Our words should be gifts to each other, little silver boxes with bows on top.”

   There is power in words. Power to heal. Power to help. Power to encourage. Power to build up. Unfortunately, there is also Power in words to destroy, tear down, hurt, and discourage. My heart desires to be an encourager…another reason I began this blog. However, my words are not always words of encouragement. Have I said things in the past that hurt others? Yes. Am I proud of that? No…in fact when I think back on times that my words have been hurtful, I am ashamed. God forgives though and HE forgets! That is amazing LOVE my friends. That is the same kind of love that Christians are called to extend to others..even the ones that have hurt us with words.

   Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) ~ Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

   Maybe it isn’t just time to watch the words that come out of our mouths. Maybe it is also time to forgive. Maybe it is time to ask for forgiveness.

   Blessings to you all. My prayer for each one of you that reads this, is for you to take this and apply it and see the blessings flow because of it. Not because I said to do it…but because God instructs us all to do it..to take Ephesians 4:29 to heart.

   Until Next Time,

  I wonder if any of you have ever felt like you were just beating your head against a brick wall? Or maybe have you ever just wondered why…why..why? Maybe even wondered if you were the “person” for the task at hand? Like, “God, I don’t want to do this and I am tired of this same problem!”

   Bear with me just a minute as I let some questions fly…  Do you find yourself in a state of fear about a situation that just isn’t going well in your opinion ? How about this..ever just want to say to God, “Please God..could you just go ahead and show me why this thorn is still there?”

   I am going to be transparent with you right here and now. I have asked every single one of those questions and I have felt the pain and the fear that accompanies them. I have cried out (aloud) to God..saying “I just don’t understand, I am weary, I am tired, could you just take this “thorn” away!!” You are not alone. I am not alone.

   2 Corinthians 12:8 ESV ~ Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.

   Even as I cried out, I felt The Holy Spirit saying to me..“Because there is a lesson in it. Trust Me. Everyone has their own thorn. “ Now, I am NOT going to lie to ya! I don’t like that answer..I don’t. See, like you probably, I want what I want. And what I want is for life to be easy. I am being real here. I am so thankful that I do hear and feel that immediate “no, no, no..trust me Heather..I will never let you down..it’s gonna be all good..just trust me” that comes from my Jesus. He keeps me straight and I am so grateful that I am His!

   Psalm 142:3(a) ESV ~ When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way.

   Allow me to share with you, a portion of Pastor Judah Smith’s message from last week at Catalyst. Judah is Lead Pastor of The City Church in Seattle, Washington. He is an author as well. Well, Pastor Judah asked a few questions also. Let me just share them with you..and as you read them, truly think about them.   Since when is Jesus not enough? Do I realize what I have in God? Since when did we have to supplement our Savior? Something else Judah Smith said was, “There’s no secret, Jesus is freely and willingly available to everyone!”

   You are probably wondering what in the world do these questions have to do with what Heather shared??

   It is simple. Those thorns, problems, reoccurring issues, difficult people, hurts, weaknesses. Those fears, and the weariness and just “banging your head against a wall” feelings. Jesus, Savior, Father God, IS ENOUGH.

   He tells us…MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU…

   2 Corinthians 12:9(a) ESV ~ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

   Since when is He not enough?

     We look past Him sometimes…all wrapped up in our pity parties..or woe is me attitudes.. When we simply need to just Come To Jesus. Lay our burdens at His feet. Trust in Him and Him alone. Realize that we are nothing apart from Him. Quit asking why and for the “thorns” to be removed and just Let God Be God! Quit trying to supplement Him with other people…and worship Him alone. His grace is sufficient..and He alone is worthy to be praised. Look to God alone when facing difficulty and Let Him Be Who He Is. And last but not least, quit expecting other people to fill a void that only God was meant to fill!

   Psalm 16:5 ESV ~ Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.

   Amen…I love to study the Psalms..King David was real and he struggled just as we do today. He knew that the Lord ..alone.. was all he needed.

   My hope for whoever reads this is to realize that you are not alone. Not just because you aren’t the only one who has these feelings..but BECAUSE Jesus IS enough. Don’t look past Him.

   Until Next Time,

Most all of us have felt broken-hearted at one point or another in our lives. If not..I promise you it’s coming. The good news is that with God in control, we don’t have to be in control during those times. We simply have to let God help us.

Heartbroken..a feeling of great despair..when feelings of confusion tend to set in. These feelings can be caused by death, loss, betrayal, etc.. God doesn’t guarantee us a life without suffering and broken-heartedness. Instead, He guarantees to equip us and never leave us during those times.

Matthew 11:28 (NIV) ~ Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Deuteronomy 31:6 ~ “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”

The verse (Deut. 31:6) just means so much to me! What hope that is found in that verse!! Why wouldn’t someone want to believe a truth such as that?? Our GOD…Creator..Sovereign Lord..Almighty Savior..Risen One..He promises to never ever ever leave us or forsake us.

Heartbroken can mean that you were forsaken…but remember that you weren’t forsaken by God..just by man.

I personally, am grateful for those times that I was at my lowest point. Now, I didn’t say that I enjoyed those times. No..not at all. However, it was at those times that I sought God more and became closer to Him. It was during those times that I realized that God was enough.

That is because I made the choice to seek Him during those times, not just anybody needs to know your problems. Not everybody has your best interest in mind. I guarantee you this : God ALWAYS has your best interest in mind.

You have to be careful who you go to for advice when you are hurt or angry.

In fact, we should really seek God first. Stop and pray and be still. Seek wise counsel.

2 Chronicles 18:4 ~ But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”

Isaiah 28:26 ~ His God instructs him and teaches him the right way.

Here is some more great news for us all : Praise God that He works All things together for our good when we seek His will and truly trust in Him. Even though we may not understand the why of what we are going through, we can be assured that if we let God have control that our pain and trials are not in vain. When we can help others because of something we have experienced we are bringing glory to God. (that is, if we are willing to share)

Romans 8:28 ~ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

See, even when you may feel like your heart is being ripped into a million pieces, God knows the outcome. Even when you feel like you don’t know what to believe or think, God says that He will never leave you. When you feel like giving up and throwing in the towel..God says wait..because with God ALL things are possible!

Matthew 19:26 ~ Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

We don’t have to supply the strength that is needed to make it through the difficult times. God promises to be that strength. God promises to supply all our needs. When you trust Jesus as Lord and Savior, you gain the gift of Salvation. The bonus gift (extra prize) is that The Holy Spirit comes to live in you, guide you, convict you, and strengthen you. When you accept Christ the old you should be gone..you have invited Christ Jesus in to lead you every second of every day.

I will leave you with one of my favorite verses that sums this up.

Philippians 4:13 ~ I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.

Even with the tough things. Even when I can’t see a way. He is still there. He is the way. He knows the way.

If you don’t have that security, that assurance of Salvation, what are you waiting for??

Until Next Time,

.

   Sometimes, you just have one of those days. The kind where the devil just tries to get at you any way he can. Some days it is easier to fight that spiritual battle than others.

   When I am faced with a spiritual battle, sometimes I remember to put on my armor and other times..well, I forget.

Ephesians 6:13(NIV)~ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything , to stand.

   The truth is, Satan has no power over me since Christ lives in me. I can rise up and conquer that junk..for lack of a better word..and tell Satan to get away from me! There is power in the Holy Spirit! There is power in Jesus’ name!

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)~ But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

   How many times do we let little things get to us? How often do we read into someone else’s comments? Why do we sometimes think that someone is being hurtful or negative towards us when they are just being the way they are..which is imperfect..like the rest of us.

   I have learned that not everybody thinks the same way as I do. I have also learned that my perception can be totally different from what someone’s true intentions are. We are all made different. Some are more alike than others. One thing we all have in common though, is the need to be loved.

   The enemy loves to use our differences to keep us down or against each other. God wants us to love and accept one another,  and to be kind and thoughtful in our words and actions with each other. God is love.

John 15:17 (NIV) ~ This is my command: Love each other.

   How often do we waste time..precious time..walking around wearing our feelings on our sleeves…asumming that “somebody” has something against us?  Does it hurt when people don’t think before they act or speak? Yes! Guess what else? People are going to let you down…but GOD never will!

Psalm 42:5 (NIV)~ Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

   Put your faith, trust and hope in GOD. Love one another..and try to look past the faults that we all too easy seem to find. Fact is, we all have faults.

  Prayer is the best and most effective tool we have in this battle. Think about it..prayer is a direct line to God. Who better to turn to than God when you are feeling low or hurt or even annoyed? How often do we forget to go to God in prayer before we go to a friend or even worse..before we act or speak? He is the best friend you could ever hope for and He always has your best interest in mind.

Romans 12:12 (NIV) ~ Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

   The best advice I could give you right now if you are feeling discouraged because you are internalizing some negative outside forces (hurtful words, other’s opinions, or your own assumptions even), remember that God is greater than all of that. Remember that not everything is as it seems. Remember that if you are saved, the power of the Holy Spirit lives in you. Remember that you are not perfect either. Remember to pray. Also, don’t beat yourself up when you fall into that old trap..rise up and fight the battle of negativity with GOD leading you!  Last but certainly not least, forgive and let go. Bitterness, anger and dwelling on negative just robs you of peace, joy, and precious time. Jesus willingly forgives and forgets..if you really want to be like Jesus then an unforgiving spirit just isn’t an option.

Colossians 3:13 (NIV) ~ Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

   Blessings and Peace to you all!