Tag: hope in Christ

Jesus, Our Very Present Help

Psalm 46:1 ESV, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

The Lord is always present with us. He’s there to help us. He will give us the strength we need daily, and will protect us from harm. As you you face this new day, remember He is your refuge. There is no tribulation that will come your way that He is not aware of. There is no trial you must endure that He cannot carry you through.

May your heart be filled with joy, peace, and comfort as you rejoice in our Risen Savior. Jesus is our living hope and He will never fail us.

Is It A Facade?

Proverbs 17:1 NIV, “Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.”

When I read this verse, it reminded me right away that things can appear to be one way on the surface, but can actually be something else in reality. People can appear to have it all and be on top of the world, but on the inside they are discontent, hurt, and empty.

We live in a world where it’s easy for people to put up a facade, but their reality is less than pleasant. Not only is it easy to put up a facade, but doing so is also celebrated. The more perfect a persons life appears on the outside, the more accepted they feel. But then, they must work tirelessly to maintain that illusion of happiness, so they can continue to feel accepted.

This verse tells us that a lifestyle of peace is better than one that invites strife. Sometimes less is in fact more. Regardless of what we have or don’t have, our main goal should always be to honor God, and keep His commandments.

If our focus is not primarily on the Lord, things will get out of line. Our focus will then be on ourselves, other people, and the ongoing pursuit of material things, which will ultimately lead to pain.

I pray that as Christians, our main focus will be on having a lifestyle of love and worship toward the Lord, as we pursue the purpose He has for us. May we also share His unconditional love and acceptance with those around us, because true acceptance is found in Jesus Christ.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 NIV, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”

Sunshine Blogger Award – 7

Thank you Stu @ Something To Stu Over for nominating me for the Sunshine Blogger Award. I appreciate you and the wonderful impact you have on our blogging community. 👊🏼👊🏼

Check out Stu’s blog where as his tagline states, you can read about his “thoughts on life, love, marriage and yes…sex.” (I think it’s cool 😎 that Stu doesn’t mind digging into the tough topics.) Enjoy! 👍🏼😁

RULES:🤗

1. Use the sunshine blogger award logo

2. Give thanks to the blogger that nominated you

3. Answer the 11 questions given to you

4. Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 questions

Here Stu’s Questions For Me: 🤗

1. What, in your opinion, is the most majestic of all God’s creation?

I’m gonna go with the universe. It contains so many fascinating and mind blowing things. Galaxies, blackholes, planets, comets, the list goes on. I always say, it’s a glimpse into the majesty of God.

Interesting Fact per Cool Cosmos: Earth is located in the universe in the Virgo Supercluster of galaxies. A supercluster is a group of galaxies held together by gravity. Within this supercluster we are in a smaller group of galaxies called the Local Group. Earth is in the second largest galaxy of the Local Group – a galaxy called the Milky Way.

2. Are you a read the book type of person or a wait for the movie type?

Read the book.

3. What topic do you feel is the least discussed but the one most needed to be discussed?

In the church I’d say sexual sin. I’ve heard multiple Pastors say that much of the counseling they do with families/individuals revolves around destruction that has been caused by some type of sexual sin.

4. Do you prefer hanging out with a group of friends around a fire or chilling alone by a lake?

Most of the time I would prefer the lake, occasionally the friends around the fire.

5. What inspires you to keep blogging?

God does, along with the desire He has given me to help others.

6. Do you believe the world is going to hell in a hand basket? Why?

Yeah I think so, because things are getting worse everyday. I constantly here people say, “What in the world is happening??”

7. If you are a Christian, would you be willing to write your testimony as a blog post?

This is something I have thought about. Although I share stories from my life in different posts, I haven’t done one testimony post yet. I’m sure I eventually will.

8. If you have written your testimony would you be so kind as to send the link?

N/A

9. What is the current color of your kitchen?

Black, Silver, and white with yellow accents.

10. What is your dream car?

Range Rover

11. Where did the phrase “by the skin of my teeth” originate?

I wasn’t sure so I googled it.

By the skin of your teeth

To my nominees:

Participation is optional, but I want to give you a huge THANK YOU for your blog 🥰

Questions to my nominees:

1. What, in your opinion, is the most majestic of all God’s creation?

2. What topic do you feel is the least discussed but the one most needed to be discussed?

3. What is your dream car?

4. What are your hobbies?

5. Do you have children?

6. Do you have pets?

7. If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

8. Are you an introvert or extrovert?

9. What is an important lesson you’ve learned in life?

10. If you found out today that you just inherited 10 million dollars, after all the legalities are taken care of, what would you do next?

11. What is your favorite food?

My nominees:

Imago Dei

Joy Cottage

Jesusluvsall

PlantingseedsinGodsgrowinggarden

Looking To God

Psst…God Loves You

Sandmoos

Travel N Write

Write This On Your Heart

wordpress13730faith2faith

UntanglingLifesWeb

Be It Unto Me

Luke 1:38 KJB, “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”

I always admire this response from Mary when the angel visited her to let her know she would carry and deliver Jesus, the Savior of the world. It reminds me that when the Lord calls us to a task, we should be willing and ready to say, “be it unto me according to thy word”. We never know what type of impact our actions will have on the world. That’s why obedience to the Lord is vital.

Jesus truly impacted mankind by dying for the sins of the world, and Mary was a vessel God used to help bring His great plan to past. Her decision to be faithful to God was not without hardships, because she endured many. It’s the same for us. Making a decision to do God’s will, will often bring hardships and persecution, Jesus knew this firsthand. So He encouraged us in John 16:33 by telling us to have peace, because He has overcome the troubles of this world.

Whatever happens in this life, God knows the plans He has for us. He will fill our hearts with joy as we wait on and trust in Him. Every new day we face is in God’s hands. Like Mary, we can find peace in our Lord because we know He will always provide for us. We can safely place our hope in Him and say, “be it unto me according to thy word.”

Trusting God Through Changes

Psalm 32:8 NLT, “The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”

My daughter and I have been living in Florida for about four years now. She received a scholarship to attend a university here in Miami. So in 2015, we relocated from the Detroit area of Michigan, (where we lived for eleven years), so that she could attend the school. She lived on campus in the dorm all four years, but she’s been back home with me since May, which is when she graduated. Although we had to get used to living together again, it’s been nice having her home.

Earlier this year, she applied for a program to teach abroad in Spain and was accepted. So next month she’ll be leaving for her new adventure in Spain. I’m very excited for her, but of course I’ll miss her. Although her major is in Art History, she has a minor in Spanish Language and Culture. So living in a Spanish speaking country will enhance her Spanish speaking skills. Of course there are many Spanish speakers here in Miami, but living in a place like Spain, where the official language is Spanish, will be a great experience for her.

Well with my daughter leaving, I knew I would end up leaving to. We don’t have any family here in South Florida, and there is no reason for me to remain here. This past Monday, I turned in my resignation at my job. That was a big exciting step for me. I had been praying over it, so I had peace that it was what God was leading me to do. I won’t be leaving my job until October, but I wanted to give my employer plenty of notice.

Once I leave, I’ll be relocating back to Virginia, which is the state where I was born and raised. My mom and many of my other family members live there. It will be awesome to be with family again. I don’t have a job in Virginia yet, but I will trust God. He always provides for me when He takes me through these type of changes.

This season of my life in Florida has been filled with many lessons, and it has not always been easy. Being here has really challenged me in many ways, and caused me to grow in my relationship with Christ. I am so thankful that God kept my daughter and I safe throughout these four years. I’ve had to trust God every step of the way, and pray without ceasing. Prayer, worship, and God’s love letter to us, the Bible, have been my lifelines.

Our lives in Jesus Christ are lived by faith. We have to trust Him completely, even with the unknowns of life. I’ve learned that God usually reveals His will one step at a time. When we take one step of obedience by faith, then He’ll show us the next step.

I’m looking forward to sharing more with you about my time in Florida and my transition to Virginia in future writings. If you’re going through any changes of your own, keep trusting God to direct your paths. Everyday of your life is part of His loving plan for you. Even on the difficult days He works all things together for our good.

As always, thank you for your continued prayers, support, and encouragement.

He’s Still God

James 4:10 NIV, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

Not too long ago I was talking to the Lord about some issues I was having, and I heard Him speak these words to my heart, “I’m still God.” When I heard God speak those words to me, I immediately felt peace. No matter what we may go through, He is still God. When our hearts are humbled before Him, it opens the door for Him to be God in our lives. He has promised to lift us up when we are intentional about remaining humble before Him.

Photo by: homethods.com

This picture reminds me of the absolute beauty that is found in having humility before God. The same God who commands the oceans to be still, is the same God who calms the storms in our lives. It’s not all about the words we speak to God, or the things we do for God, but instead it’s all about who He is. It’s about what He says and what He does.

Humility allows us to experience who God is, and the blessings He wants to give us. Remain humble before God, and remember that no matter what happens…

He’s Still God.

Hidden Safely With Christ

Colossians 3:2-3 NIV, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

I’ve been meditating on these verses over the last couple of days. They remind me that my priority should be on eternal things. Earthly things should not take precedence over the things that matter most to the Lord.

It can definitely be a challenge trying to stay focused on what matters most to the Lord. The responsibilities we have in our personal lives, along with the allure of the world, make it difficult to set our minds on things above. It’s like we’re in a constant game of tug of war. Although we want to do what is right, we sometimes choose what is easy instead. Following Jesus is not usually an easy path. Staying committed to Him takes perseverance.

Placing our focus on Jesus, will help us to have a better understanding of what it means to diligently seek God. We will see life and people from His perspective. There will be many impostors throughout our journey, but when our minds are set on Him, we won’t be fooled by a counterfeit.

Our lives are hidden with Christ in God. The covering that the Father has over us, will protect us. The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. Don’t be discouraged. When things get tough, look up to Jesus! He is an ever present help in times of trouble.