Psalm 5:2-3 NIV, “Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”
When I read these verses it always stands out to me that the Psalmist waited expectantly. He knew that God heard his voice and that He would answer. He had faith and he had hope. It’s the same for us. We should pray and then wait expectantly. When we cry out to our God, He hears our prayers and will answer us.
Photo By: Torsten Kellermann
Every new day that God allows us to see, is a new chance for us to know Him more and experience His goodness. It reminds me of a song we used to sing at church when I was little, “Everyday with Jesus is sweeter than the day before. Everyday with Jesus, I love Him more and more.”
Jesus is our living hope, who made everything possible. He will never fail us. Never stop praying. Never stop believing. Never stop expecting. God hears you.
Psalm 37:23 NLT, “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”
Last week I stopped by the leasing office at my apartment complex, and turned in my notice to vacate. When I informed the leasing consultant that I would be moving out of state, she asked me where I was going. When I told her Virginia, she immediately perked up and said that she knew a couple that had moved there recently. She said they are a really nice Christian couple, and that the wife is the sister of her pastor. Then after that, she begin to share their story with me.
She told me about Alex, the twenty-one year old son of this couple, who was killed in a motorcycle accident two years ago. He was thrown from his bike and died instantly due to head injuries. She showed me the last picture that Alex had taken with his family before his death.
Alex had always dreamed of living in Virginia. So when he lost his life, his parents and his younger sibling, packed their bags, said goodbye to Florida and moved to Virginia. His parents said that life was short and this was what Alex always wanted, so making the move to Virginia was their way of making his dream come true.
Photo By: Khanh Le
Hearing this story brought tears to my eyes, and the leasing consultant said retelling it gave her goose bumps. Not only had this family lost Alex, but Alex’s Dad was also a cancer survivor. Although their story is one of unimaginable loss, it’s also one of triumph, because I’m sure this family understands what it means to make everyday count. They know first hand how brief our days here on Earth can be. I thanked the leasing consultant for sharing this story with me. It was a vast reminder not to take life for granted.
After I left the leasing office, I couldn’t help but wonder what God has in mind for Alex’s family. I believe He will use their testimony to touch many souls. Hearing their story of faith and perseverance in the midst of tragedy brought me joy.
Jesus always has a way of shining light in the midst of darkness. We just have to be willing to open our eyes to see it, like Alex’s family did. We may not always understand all of God’s plans for our lives, but if we keep obeying Him, He will reveal truth to us. No matter how dark a situation may seem, we can trust Jesus to light our path.
Thank you little sister Herry @ herrychiccounsels for nominating me for this Sunshine Blogger Award. Your blog is a reminder of God’s goodness and an encouragement to me and others. ❤️💕❤️
Check out HCCounsels and you will be truly inspired! 🤗
Here are Herry’s Questions for me:
1. Are you an owl or a lark? (stay up late or early riser)
I’m a lark
2. What do you do for fun?
I enjoy trying new restaurants. I also like occasionally riding bikes on the beach.
3. What are your spiritual gifts?
I believe the gift of encouragement is something I have.
4. Have you made Jesus the Lord of your life? If so, how did it happen?
Yes I did when I was 9 years old at a Wednesday night prayer meeting. I can still remember that night clearly.
5. Do you have a life verse? If so, what is it, and why?
My favorite bible verse has always been John 3:16. It’s also the first verse I memorized.
6. What is your favorite characteristic about yourself?
I’m a pretty calm person and I really like that.
7. What is one valuable lesson you have learned in life?
Don’t just follow the crowd because God has a unique plan for everyone.
8. When did you know you wanted to become a writer?
I’ve enjoyed writing for awhile. I first started doing it in 2008 for a couple of years then stopped. But I started this blog in 2017.
9. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
I only recently found out about the ambivert, and I believe that’s what I am.
10. Do you dread or look forward to your birthday?
I’m always thankful to see another year so in that case I look forward to it.
11. Which do you prefer: city or country, fried or baked, sweet or salty, book or movie, drive or fly, cook or takeout?
City, baked, sweet, movie, fly, takeout
I nominate the following bloggers. Looking forward to hearing from you if you choose to participate. 🤗
Proverbs 11:13 NIV, “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.”
God knows all there is to know about us, but He doesn’t go around revealing everything to everyone. We can trust Him. Loyal, trustworthy people are a reflection of God’s love. People who can be trusted to keep information confidential, without giving in to the temptation to gossip and spread rumors are people of integrity.
Photo by: Kristina Flour
People of integrity understand that time spent gossiping about others is time that can be spent praying for them instead. They use wisdom when it comes to speaking about others because they know what and what not to say. They also know who and who not to say it to.
Being a trustworthy, gossip-free person is a true sign of maturity in Christ. He will strengthen us to stay away from pointless, destructive conversations about others. Love seeks to build people up and not tear them down.
James 1:26 NLT, “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.”
Proverbs 3:27, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.”
Yesterday morning I was reading Proverbs chapter 3. Verse 27 kept jumping out at me. I kept thinking to myself that if everyone lived by this, the world would be a much better place. It’s pretty easy to withhold good from others because we live in an age that reinforces, ”looking out for number 1” all of the time. Of course we need balance and it is important to take care of ourselves. But what would happen if everyone made an attempt to regularly think of the needs of others, and help them whenever possible?
The closer we get to Jesus, the more compassionate and loving we become toward others. He helps us to look beyond the surface and see the true need. He helps us to let go of the fear of lack, and give when it is in our power to do so.
There is so much more to giving than just money, a simple compliment can make someone smile. There is one greeter at church who always gives hugs. Many Sunday mornings I was thankful for her hug. Handshakes are good, but hugs are awesome! Even in my own life, I’m asking God to help me not to withhold good from others. No matter how small the deed may seem, if we’re lead to give, we must obey God and give.
We serve a God who gives of Himself freely everyday. As His representatives, we have the privilege of doing the same. Learning to let God be our standard instead of the world, will open up a whole new sea of opportunities to give of ourselves that we never even knew existed.
Proverbs 2:8 NLT, “He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.”
This verse used to be the theme verse for a singles ministry I attended in the past. I also had it on the dashboard in my car for awhile. The verse reminded me daily that the Lord is guarding my paths and protecting me. Even as I drive down the road, navigating my way through the busy traffic, He is watching over me. It’s a comfort to be kept by our Savior.
It’s easy to become fearful with all the things that are happening around us. Even within our own families at times, there are tragedies and other unfortunate things that we must endure. But keeping our eyes on the Lord, helps us to remain anchored. No matter how rough things may get, we can trust Him to take good care of us.
Staying faithful to the Lord is no easy task. But deciding to stay on the narrow path and be faithful to Him, will lead us to good things. We may not understand every turn we take or every hill we must climb, but God will be with us every step of the way. Even through difficulties, His love will sustain us.
Whatever path you are traveling, God has His wall of protection all around you, so keep on following as the Holy Spirit leads you.God always has a plan, and His plans are good.
John 6:35, “Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
I hadn’t heard this song Breathe by Michael Smith in years, but I woke up this morning with it on my mind. Truly Jesus is the air that we breathe. As Christians, His Holy Presence living inside of us is everything. He is the bread of life. In Him we are filled completely. He is the One who can take away our emptiness and replace it with joy. His words give us life and hope.
Drawing Closer to Christ 