Lately, I have felt certain phrases come to my mind in the midst of challenges. I share the declarations the Holy Spirit laid on my heart, mind and soul.
Opie our senior horse and his buddy by MM
Mary’s paraphrase of scripture:
Just like a horse needs relationship with its rider/owner to be a team, we need Jesus to guide us by His Word. Jesus is our best friend.
Intimacy with God is sustenance for life.
1 Corinthians 8:3 AMPC But if one loves God truly [with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing], he is known by God [recognized as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him].
I have wordless awe for the work of God in my life when I let Him guide my steps.
Psalm 37:23-24 NLT The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. [24] Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.
We need Jesus, on our own we would act by feeling not wisdom beyond our understanding, as He promises in scripture.
Psalm 139:23-24 NLT Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. [24] Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
He is faithful and just, we need to trust Him even in the hardest circumstances.
Jeremiah 17:7 AMP Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the LORD And whose hope and confident expectation is the LORD.
The Bible is filled with pearls of wisdom, it rewards you with amazing hope. This is one of my favorite scriptures:
Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. [9] Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. [10] For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
God loves you! He wants the best for you. He believes in your capacity to fulfill the purposes He ordained before you were born.
Life can be a challenge, being a follower of Jesus Christ does not mean it’s easy. However, when we are being challenged, whether it’s personal, physical, emotional, there’s is one thing that is true and will never change.
Those who call on Jesus Christ and ask Him to be their Savior will never be alone.
Jesus promises to be with us in challenging and joyful times. He reminds us that in this world there will be trouble but He has overcome this world.
John 16:33 AMP I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]
Allowing Jesus to be the authority ( meaning the one we turn to for wisdom above the world culture) gives us the ability to have supernatural peace, instructions for every day and the power and authority to be warriors in victory for His Kingdom.
Romans 10:8-13 AMP But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART”—that is, the word [the message, the basis] of faith which we preach— [9] because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation. [11] For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED [in his expectations].” [12] For there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; for the same Lord is Lord over all [of us], and [He is] abounding in riches (blessings) for all who call on Him [in faith and prayer]. [13] For “WHOEVER CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD [in prayer] WILL BE SAVED.”
It is not an easy process to let Jesus direct our lives through the Holy Spirit (one of the three parts of the Father God, Son and Holy Spirit).
Because we want to direct our own path. I admit it, I am selfish. However, I am learning trusting the Holy Spirit brings the best steps. His wisdom is free and His love unconditional.
His scripture is my template, the more I read and seek Him the greater my insight from Him not my emotions.
Micah 6:8 AMPC He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?
This song, Still Waters, is a powerful declaration by a gifted trio of musical artists, Leanna, Ben and David, who are great humble witnesses with their personal stories of Gods goodness and faithfulness.
Hold onto Jesus! Or if you need to make a change call out to Him today and He will amaze you.
God sees everything and knows the motives of people. Stick with Him not emotions related to feelings. Pray for those who seem to live for appearance. Repent of bitterness. You are so valuable to God! He knows the number of hairs on your head. Share the love of Jesus where He calls you to speak. Pray for those who hurt you. Walk as much as you can in peace. Give it all to God!
When you cling to God, you will have His strength and His Holy Spirit wisdom to lean into for all relationships. It will help you let go of offenses and bring His peace.
Matthew 10:16,26-39 NLT “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. [26] “But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. [27] What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear! [28] “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. [29] What is the price of two sparrows-one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. [30] And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. [31] So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. [32] “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. [33] But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. [34] “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. [35] ‘I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. [36] Your enemies will be right in your own household!’ [37] “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. [38] If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. [39] If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.
Life with Jesus trumps any words of affirmation from any human. In the end, His life walked out in your life is priceless. Go with God!
He is the Lighthouse in our daily life. He illuminates our path when we seek Him first. He is faithful! He knows us from conception to our last breath. Take a cleansing breath right now. Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for a second or two. Breathe out the hurts by a count of 5. Clear your mind of offenses. Seek Him and speak aloud:
Father God, guide our hearts, minds, and souls for Your Kingdom purpose. Help us to lay down offenses in word or action. Show us Your action steps. Thank you for loving us and bringing us to Your plan. Your unconditional love when dying for our sins is unfathomable. Thank you for believing in our potential. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Lately, I find myself reading a chapter of the Bible called Job. A little background on Job. He was a follower of Adonai (The LORD God) who had many blessings in the standards of the world. God gave Job the blessings, family, land, material things.
However, one day, the Adversary (devil) asked Adonai if Job really was a follower of Him, and in challenging trials, would Job be able to stand up under the pressure?
I chose the Complete Jewish Bible as the resource for today. Iyov is the Hebrew word for Job.
Job 1:6-12 It happened one day that the sons of God came to serve Adonai, and among them came the Adversary. Adonai asked the Adversary, “Where are you coming from?” The Adversary answered Adonai, “From roaming through the earth, wandering here and there.” Adonai asked the Adversary, “Did you notice my servant Iyov, that there’s no one like him on earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and shuns evil?” The Adversary answered Adonai, “Is it for nothing that Iyov fears God? You’ve put a protective hedge around him, his house and everything he has. You’ve prospered his work, and his livestock are spread out all over the land. But if you reach out your hand and touch whatever he has, without doubt he’ll curse you to your face!” Adonai said to the Adversary, “Here! Everything he has is in your hands, except that you are not to lay a finger on his person.” Then the Adversary went out from the presence of Adonai.” Iyov (Job) 1:6-12 CJB
So God allowed trials and challenges to be a part of Jobs’ life. I challenge you to read the Book of Job!! Job ended up losing family members to death, his wealth in livestock and property diminished, losing prosperity by world standards and his friends questioned whether God was really with him anymore.
In chapters 38 and 39, the LORD ( our personal Creator God named in Genesis) speaks to Job. The Lord asks Job who made all things on earth, in the skies and heavens? The LORD reminds Job who He is as Creator God.
“Then Adonai answered Iyov out of the storm: “Who is this, darkening my plans with his ignorant words? Stand up like a man, and brace yourself; I will ask questions; and you, give the answers! “Where were you when I founded the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Do you know who determined its dimensions or who stretched the measuring line across it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Iyov (Job) 38:1-7 CJB
I love when I read scripture and find a new insight or instruction in new ways. I found the following description on horses, hawks and eagles.
Job 39:19-30 The Lord said, “Did you give the horse its strength? Did you clothe its neck with a mane? Did you make him able to leap like a locust? Its majestic snorting is frightening! It paws with force and exults with vigor, then charges into the battle; mocking at fear, unafraid, it does not shy away from the sword. The [rider’s] quiver rattles over it, [his] gleaming spear and javelin. Frenzied and eager, it devours the ground, scarcely believing the shofar has sounded. At the sound of the shofar it whinnies; as from afar it scents the battle, the roar of the chiefs and the shouting. “Is it your wisdom that sets the hawk soaring, spreading its wings toward the south? Does the eagle fly up when you say so, to build its nest in the heights? It lives and spends its nights on the cliffs; a rocky crag is its fortress. From there it spots its prey, its eyes see it far off. Its young ones suck up blood; wherever the slain are, there it is.”” Iyov (Job) 39:19-30 CJB
What I am trying to express in this post today? Just like Job, when we are going through trials it can seem our Adonai ( personal Lord God) has left us. Perhaps a better reflection would be remembering our LORD may be teaching us something about His promises and there can be deeper relationship with our Father Creator God, our Adonai, our Jesus and listening to the Holy Spiritdeveloped when we are open to growth.
Spending time to rediscover and grow our faith in a God who sees all things, created all things, knows the future and loves unconditionally is powerful, life changing and eternal.
Jamie MacDonald has a great song, Desperate that describes well the need to be restored by the Lord. Praise Him in the trial.
Prayer: Father God, Adonai, please forgive our human desire to be independent and falsely believe we can do life alone. All things are possible through You LORD. Show us through the trials what You want us to learn about Your love and promises. Just like Job, the sifting of our trials can be a place of deepening faith in You. Thank you for loving unconditionally and being our personal LORD. We need You, in Jesus mighty Name, Amen!
Each step we take can lead us to beautiful peaceful paths or to strenuous detours. We are selfish by human nature. Even the most gentle person can have an underlying motive for their actions.
Think of a toddler, he or she sees a new object and seeks to explore and learn its use. Toddlers want to hold a ball without wanting to share it.
What is your motive in life? Is it to climb over others to get to some imaginary pinnacle of success? Is it the pride of knowing everything but sacrificing relationships as you seek to best another person by being the one who is always right? Is it towering over peers in materialistic things or career ladders? God wants our life to be directed by Him, period! Not glory to us but glory to Him.
Whether it is a school aged child, who wants others to take notice of his or her abilities in sport or drama. We all have a need to be seen and spoken well of by family and friends. We all want to feel admired. God is who I want to please above all else.
Proverbs 12:14 MSG Well-spoken words bring satisfaction; well-done work has its own reward.
I want to hear from Jesus “Well done , good and faithful servant!” Don’t you?
Matthew 25:21 AMP His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’
Words of encouragement spur all humans to try harder, to achieve next level ability. However words of criticism take down the desire to try again and motivation slows.
When we commit our actions to Gods’ plan things are always best and amazingly beautiful.
Proverbs 16:1-9,13,15-21 NLT We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer. [2] People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives. [3] Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed. [4] The LORD has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster.
When we seek the spotlight for our own glory, there is a consequence. Our pride can sink us. Pleasing God by humility ( not weakness) is a key.
Proverbs 16: [5] The LORD detests the proud; they will surely be punished. [6] Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the LORD, people avoid evil. [7] When people’s lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them.
May we strive to seek godliness over selfishness. Unfortunately human nature can lead to impulsive words and actions unless we let God be the authority in our daily lives.
Proverbs 16: [8] Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest. [9] We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. [13] The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly.
May we choose to be a person of honesty, over gossip and comparison.
May we want the King of Kings, Lord of Lords to smile and our lives to count by His standard.
Proverbs 16:15 When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a spring rain. [16] How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver! [17] The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe. [18] Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
Humility with Godliness is attainable when I can lay my agenda down and seek to trust the Lord for His future.
Proverbs 16:[19]Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud. [20] Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be joyful.
I know I need to make some better choices on my words and actions. May we want to be known as a person of understanding and reflect Jesus to others especially when experiencing challenging relationships. Can you relate?
Proverbs 16: [21] The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive.
Prayer prompt: Father God, please transform our lives for Your glory. Please help our words and actions to represent Your ways over our selfish impulsive demands. Help us to seek You first every morning and ask You to give us words of understanding so Your unfailing love can be seen in our actions. We want all people to come to know you, Our King of Kings and the Almighty One true God! In Jesus mighty Name Amen!
There is so much swirling in the skies, heavens and around the world. Something’s are seen with our eyes and heard with our ears. Unfortunately, many things are at work unseen by human eyes.
These cloud formations were above our country home, what does it look like to you? As a child my imagination would say, God is sending angels coming to say hello? As an adult, I wonder the same thing but perhaps to help His children on earth.
Our God is unshakable! When we are in relationship with Our Father,His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit we are able to remember our peace is not on this earth. Our peace is in trusting Him by faith.
It is not easy placing our lives in the hands of God and our futures in His plan. But there is no other solution. Noah in his time was thought of as crazy building a boat to protect in a rainstorm of exponential levels. But Noah stood with Gods directions!!
Our time is now to trust in faith of God over our need to know the future.
Hebrews 11:1 NLT Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
Hebrews 11 is filled with multiple stories of Gods’ children from Noah, To Nehemiah, to Rahab having faith in an unseen future. We can learn to do the same, put our faith with God in the place of fear!!
We have the luxury of reading our Bible for the stories of trials to Gods deliverance. God is faithful even today.
Joshua 24:15 NLT But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.”
Choose today who you will serve! Man or God!
Our faith in God must be unshakable not only for us but for the legacy of our families.
Hebrews 12:1-3,26-29 NLT Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. [2] We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. [3] Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. [26] When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.” [27] This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. [28] Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. [29] For our God is a devouring fire”.
Pray for our nation and other nations of the world to seek Jesus and love as He calls us to love.
No matter what we see, God is a devouring fire! Call to Him before it is too late. Seek a relationship with Jesus now!
His goodness is at hand, do not become weary, He will provide, we are His daughters ( from the Complete Jewish Bible).
No matter what it looks like with our eyes, God is faithful! And this scripture, Psalm 68:10-12 was such a blessing to me today.
Between the hurricanes of North Carolina, and the fires of California, distractions, a bound of earthly tragedy.
Our hope must come from God alone. No matter what our eyes may see, I am a daughter of the King and so are you. Or perhaps you are a son of the King. The king is Jesus!
James 5:16 NLT Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.
So pray for our nation, and for those who are in the midst of tragedy. In this world, we have trouble, but Jesus has overcome the world, and it gives us the ability to rise above any tragedy when we are His child and walking as His children.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. [6] Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Are you tired? Do you need rest? Are you striving for peace but feel like an ADHD human, unable to be still? Is your task list overwhelming each day?
Hebrews 4:1-7,11-16 NLT God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it.
You can access the only One who can prepare your rest. That was Gods plan, in the beginning, to have an amazing loving relationship with His son and daughter, Adam and Eve. But the sin of pride, took both humans created in His image from the garden of Eden, there was a consequence. They didn’t listen to God to stay away from the tree of knowledge.
2] For this good news-that God has prepared this rest-has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God. [3] For only we who believe can enter his rest. As for the others, God said, “In my anger I took an oath: ‘They will never enter my place of rest,'” even though this rest has been ready since he made the world.
4] We know it is ready because of the place in the Scriptures where it mentions the seventh day: “On the seventh day God rested from all his work.” [5] But in the other passage God said, “They will never enter my place of rest.” [6] So God’s rest is there for people to enter, but those who first heard this good news failed to enter because they disobeyed God.
God gave another chance through David, but even though he was a man after Gods own heart, he sinned in an adulterous relationship and murdered a man.
Hardened hearts make it hard to follow God. Unfortunately, this is the same problem in our lives.
7] So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.”
God wants to give us rest, we must follow His ways, because He knows what is best for us, He loves us.David did not have the luxury of a Bible to follow the wisdom of God. I’m grateful we can learn from the lives before us. Choices, mistakes, consequences, unconditional love, Grace, mercy, forgiveness are shown in the stories written in scripture.
11] So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall.
We all fall from perfection as humans, but God gives us His Word which is all powerful, it cuts between soul and spirit and exposes our fleshy nature.
12] For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. [13] Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
Even knowing we are created in the Image of God and with sinful potential, God sent His Son, Jesus as the bridge for our relationship with our Father God. What an amazing gift of grace, freely given to us, His children. Jesus is the High Priest of heaven.
14] So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. [15] This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.
Don’t be afraid to bend your knee and ask Jesus to be the authority in your life. He loves you so much that He died a sinners death on the cross. We need Him.
16] So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
So are you weary, tired of doing life alone? Call out to Jesus, allow Him to transform your life.
Jesus talked to His Father in scripture about being willing to help His children. Our burdens can be so exhausting, but Jesus wants to help you carry the load and bring you wisdom from God.
Matthew 11:27-30 NLT “My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” [28] Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
When my kids were little someone exposed me to Scripture Lullabies, a wonderful musical artist that combines scripture and music. “I will never leave you” is one of my favorites. You don’t need to be an infant to enjoy this song and the truth of God’s love that is unconditional for each of us.
I will never leave you Scripture Lullabies
We truly can’t do life alone. Being self sufficient has an endpoint. Let Jesus carry you!
Coming soon to the heavens and nighttime skies near you, cosmic connection of planets in a row. I can’t wait to see this amazing light show.
According to earthsky.org , “in January 2025 there are four bright planets – and two faint planets – in the evening sky. Yup. They’re arrayed in a line across the sky”. Many other astronomy experts including NASA, support this premise.
I’m not sure about you, but I sure hope in my state, the clouds will not obscure an opportunity to view this amazing site of planets and stars.
The Creator God, Himself spoke all things into existence, scripture supports this truth.
Psalm 33:4-9 NLT For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does. [5] He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the LORD fills the earth. [6] The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.
Even Genesis, the first book of the Bible describes, God made the lands and the seas.
Psalm 33: [7] He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs. [8] Let the whole world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of him. [9] For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command.
Just as God made the heavens and earth, the skies and the stars, God made you, Perfect in His image for great purpose.
As we begin the year 2025, meditate on the fact a new year brings great new possibilities. Forget 2024 , looking back at the mistakes or challenges, but look forward in 2025. God will be working in your life if you let Him guide.
Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. [9] Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. [10] For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
It is not where you start, but where you finish that matters the most. You are His Masterpiece. Trust Him ( God, Jesus, Holy Spirit) by receiving His free gift of grace and mercy.
Change the trajectory of your life. Stop listening to the lies of the enemy.
James 4:6-10 NLT And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” [7] So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. [8] Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
What is described in James 4: 8 -10, is an explanation of repentance and surrendering your life to God.
9] Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. [10] Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.
God has good plans, a hope and a future. But we must seek Him wholly for He is holy!
Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. [12] In those days when you pray, I will listen. [13] If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Welcome in a new life 2025. Time is wasting. Time is now!
Do you need a moment to just breathe? Did you know so did Jesus?
Our fast-paced world with all its distractions can truly drain us, heart, mind, and soul. We must take time to rest, but not in loneliness, but in Him.
I’ve heard it said recently that even Jesus took time to rest before he spoke wisdom or guided the growing crowd of people.
Matthew 13:1 NLT Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake.
What is your place of peace? Is it in nature? Is it taking a hike in the mountains? Is it walking down the dirt road listening to the birds? Is it finding a water source lake or a river to sit by? Is it just listening to the sounds of nature?? Is it listening to the laughter of a child?
Whether you are single, married, a parent or not, we all need to take time for rest and renewal.
We all have a place that fills our senses with God‘s creation. Nature is a place of peace for me.
If we don’t take the time to spend with the one who created nature, we will never be ready for the crowds of people.
Some people may be sent for us to help and others may just be very draining. We need to ask for the Lords discernment on when to speak and connect with others and when to give the experience and relationship to God.
Matthew 13:2 NLT A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore.
Our souls need filling by the Holy Spirit! Our minds need wisdom from our Father God. And reading the Word of God, brings a little slice of heaven for us to share with others. Reading about how Jesus communicated in relationship can bring us so many pearls of wisdom.
Find your place in nature that fills your soul and all five senses. See with your eyes, the beauty around you, hear with your ears the sounds of a hawk or a horse whinny or the sounds of a river. Feel the cool, crisp wintry air on your skin. If you have snow, taste of snowflake on your tongue. Share aloud with God your gratitude for good things.
Meditate on the goodness of God as Jesus did. Reread aloud this Scripture:
Matthew 13:1 NLT Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake.
Rest in the Living water and be filled with His Presence. Then go where He sends you knowing you do not walk alone.
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 