Inspiration – Page 8 – Drawing Closer to Christ

Changing Seasons

I’ve discovered that most people have a favorite season. Although I’m not a fan of pollen, I like spring the best, especially after the cold winter. Seeing things come back to life, such as the new blooms that spring up is refreshing. However, I have also found myself fond of fall this year. I’ve always liked the beautiful colors of the leaves. But I also feel drawn to the serenity and mellow pace that fall ushers in.

Photo by: Jill Wellington of Michigan, USA 🇺🇸

As for winter, just as I catch myself complaining about the lower temperatures, I end up chatting with people who love this season because they love the cold weather it brings. Some have even said they look forward to wearing winter clothes and playing in the snow. After having lived in Michigan for eleven years, I know I’m not that fond of snow. But I did enjoy walking in the parks it had to offer.

Moving on to summer, I don’t recall ever meeting anyone who didn’t like this season. It’s a season often filled with fun activities, extra time outdoors and extended daylight hours (depending on where you live). Summer always seems to be a hit.

Lately, I have become increasingly aware that the seasons of our lives change, even more than the weather. Looking back, we can see the many seasons we have been through. And reminisce about all the people we met along the way. Some of which played significant roles in our lives. Reflecting on the seasons of our lives allows us to be thankful for the lessons we’ve learned and the countless blessings we’ve received.

Photo by: Taryn Elliott of South Africa 🇿🇦

As we go through life, every day is part of a season, and the season we are in will eventually change. So, learning to enjoy each season of life should always remain a priority. Enjoying life doesn’t mean every day has to be filled with tons of entertainment or activity. It just means we’ve reached a place where we learn to see the good despite the bad. We learn to slow down and appreciate what we’ve been given. We learn to love the people who God has blessed us to be with during this time in our lives, because circumstances can change quickly and often without notice. We should never take anything or anyone for granted.

Focusing only on tomorrow while neglecting the purpose God has for us today will cause us to miss out on something good. And the opposite is also true. So, balance is needed.

I believe prayer is a gift that keeps us balanced, aware of God’s presence, thankful for His blessings, and aware of what He wants to do in our lives tomorrow, but also today.

As we enjoy the changing seasons, and the various weather conditions that go along with it, may we also enjoy the seasons of our lives. Every season has highs and lows, but through the sufficiency of God’s grace, we can continue to persevere as we walk by faith day by day.

To those celebrating it, have a Happy Thanksgiving day on Thursday! 🍁

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus, 1 Thessalonians 5:18.”

So what’s your favorite season? And why? How have you learned to remain thankful throughout the seasons of your life?

Far Beyond Anything

Isaiah 55:8, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.“

This verse has come to my mind a couple of times over the last week. It brings hope to know that God’s thoughts and ways exceed ours. He can perceive things that we cannot. But at the same time, He loves us perfectly and cares about our thoughts and ways. He is concerned about the things that concern us. He is all knowing, so we can entrust ourselves completely to Him and know that He will love us the way we need to be loved. He will provide all we need.

May the reality of God’s faithfulness bring you security today as you trust Him to do what is best for you. His wisdom and understanding are far beyond anything, and His love for us is everlasting.

Suffering For What is Right

1 Peter 3:14, “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.”

We live in a world where we are seeing and experiencing many things that are contrary to the Word of God. When we choose to stand for what God’s Word says is right, we may at times feel weary or discouraged in the battle. Choosing to walk faithfully with the Lord, is not always going to be a simple path. As a matter of fact, Jesus encourages us with these words in John 16:33…

“…Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

I also am inspired by the good news translation that says…

“…The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!”

Jesus tells us to take heart and be brave because He has overcome and defeated the world. There is a blessing that rests upon our lives when we choose to suffer for doing what God says is right. And we will never experience any troubles that are beyond His control.

**Photo: Julian Jagtenberg of the Netherlands 🇳🇱**

1 Peter 4:13, “But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

Rejoice, knowing that through our sufferings, the glory of Christ will be revealed. We don’t always know what God is up to, but we can take heart and know that His glory will shine through.

So be of good cheer! Do not let fear and worry consume you. Remain faithful and obedient to the Savior, Jesus Christ. And look to Him for daily strength

Are you struggling with change?

I remember my 10th-grade marketing teacher, Mrs. Infantino, shared a quote by the Greek philosopher Heraclitus: “The only thing that is constant is change.” And it’s true; life does constantly change.

No matter how hard we try to keep things the same or “normal,” there will inevitably be times when change is sure to come. Some basic things remain the same, at least for a season, like the car we drive, the neighborhood we live in, or a job we have. But we all know cars eventually have to be replaced, neighbors often come and go, and companies sometimes shut down or do layoffs. And if you do talk to someone who has managed to spend their entire career at one company; you will probably hear stories about the many changes they have seen.

We can look back at ourselves, even one year ago, and find something that has changed about our circumstances, for better or for worse. However, I am learning to be thankful for change. Because with change often comes growth, and our growth can bring new perspectives and opportunities.

Romans 8:28 (AMP)

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.

According to Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, never changes. He is perfect in every way. His infinite love remains the same. His unchanging nature makes Him one of a kind. Our Lord’s ability to remain constant is amazing. And although it is beyond our understanding, it is part of what makes Him our Rock.

Psalm 18:2 (BSB)

The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Are there changes you are struggling with?

Perhaps they are unexpected changes that are not good, and you can not understand why God would allow them. You may feel weary and discouraged because of the changes. If that is the case, take heart. The Lord is your strength. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says: And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Perhaps the changes that have come your way are good, but you feel fear or uncertainty because of the unknown. When God calls us into unfamiliar territory, we can remember that in our weakness, His strength is made perfect. He will equip us with all we need to put our faith into action and move forward. Isaiah 41:10 says: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

No matter the dilemma, you can take the changes to God in prayer and candidly talk to Him about how He wants you to handle everything. You can share with Him exactly how you feel. He cares about all our concerns and reminds us in 1 Peter 5:7, that we can cast all our worries on Him.

After you cast your cares on the Lord in prayer, take time to listen to what He is speaking to your heart. Spend time meditating on His goodness. Embrace the lessons He is teaching you and receive the strength He wants to give you to endure the changes you are facing.

I pray that God will send the resources or people you need to help you. But above all else, remember you are not alone. God, the Rock, who does not change, is with you always.

Psalm 18:31-32 (BSB)

For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way clear.

Keep Yourselves in God’s Love

Jude 1:21, “keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”

God’s love is powerful. Remembering that His love can change people and circumstances, gives us hope to keep praying, trusting and believing. As God’s children, we carry His love inside of us, so through Him, we have the power to touch the lives of people.

1 John 4:7

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.

We often speak of how important it is to “walk in love.” However, we should ask God to help us to do this daily. He will make us aware of the specific ways and relationships where we are neglecting to walk in love.

I have personally been on an intentional journey of learning to understand and receive God’s love as well as learning to apply it correctly in my relationship with others. It is not an easy journey but it has brought me much freedom, understanding and healing.

Photo by: Martijn Adegeest of the Netherlands 🇳🇱

We should also ask God to show us ways that we are not walking in love toward ourselves. Understanding your own worth and value is vital in having the ability to show love to yourself and others. Learning to love yourself can also sometimes mean removing yourself from circumstances or relationships where you are not being loved properly. It is a reality that some people do not value you and they do not love you. And their inability to love you, is often related to the fact that they do not even love themselves.

Regardless of whatever situation you may be facing, the moral of the story is that, the love of God is powerful and can pull you through anything. It can bring healing, strength and peace to your life and the lives of those around you.

No matter what is happening in our world today, may we never underestimate the power of God’s love to change us, change people, change circumstances, and ultimately change our world. So as the Bible tells us, keep yourselves in God’s love.

God Is Waiting

James 4:8 (NCV), “Come near to God, and God will come near to you. You sinners, clean sin out of your lives. You who are trying to follow God and the world at the same time, make your thinking pure.”

Several days ago, I heard the testimony of a woman who had been abused (physically by her mom and ex-boyfriend, and sexually by her brother). As a teenage girl she ended up homeless, was involved in prostitution, sold drugs, struggled with drug addiction, and was in and out of jail for committing various crimes. But on one particular occasion, after relapsing with drug use, she ended up back in jail. Feeling as if all hope was gone, she cried out to God in surrender from her jail cell. It was in that moment she heard God speak to her and tell her that He had been waiting for her to come to Him.

When God told her, He had been waiting for her to come to Him, it reminded me that God is always there, every moment of every day. He wants to be intimately involved with us, not just when we are desperate for His help but even when life is going smoothly.

Sin keeps us from drawing near to God. However, He is patiently waiting for us to choose Him over the lusts and strongholds of the flesh. Even the little sinful habits that we accept as “normal” or “not that bad” can keep us separated from God’s best. Once we are ready to surrender, like the lady did in her jail cell, we can experience greater intimacy with God through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. And greater intimacy with Him leads to more growth, greater joy and abundant blessings.

It’s good to know we are loved by a God who hears our desperate cries for help, but also delights in us each day and rejoices with us in the good times.

Zephaniah 3:17 NLT, “For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

Never forget that God is waiting to hear from you each day, in the good times and the bad.

The One Who Can Save You

Hebrews 5:7,“During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.”

Jesus cried out to the One who could save Him and He was heard because of His reverence.

Sometimes in the hustle of life, it can be easy to forget that God sees our tears and hears our cries. He is waiting patiently for us to come to Him in prayer. Bringing our petitions to the Lord is a way of showing Him the reverence He is due, it recognizes His sovereignty over our lives.

I recently was stressing out about something, not even realizing I was neglecting to pray. When it occurred to me to say a simple prayer, the very next morning, my prayer was answered. I felt overjoyed and was thankful! It was a reminder to me of the importance of quickly carrying my needs to God in prayer.

Is there something that is troubling you today? No need is too great or too small. The Lord is patiently waiting to hear from you, right now.

Like Jesus, cry out to the One who can save you.

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