Trust Him

We all have a journey, every step we take can lead us to good things or every impulsive choice can lead to consequences.

However, every choice can remind us that we don’t have to walk alone. When we fall short of the best steps, we still have a Creator God to seek for wisdom. The Lord wants to help not shame us.

“Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭50‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

One of my favorite scriptures is Proverbs 3:5-6! Trusting in God as a child, teen, young adult, newly married couple, senior adult is the only answer to all lives questions.

When we ask for His wisdom first and step in His ways, life can be a more peaceful existence. However, even when we choose to obey His commands, we will have trials. He promises to never leave or forsake us.

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There is a comfort in knowing we grow in our faith with Him each time we reach for His answers.

Our willingness to trust in Him before we see the end result is hard for our human need to control. But we can feel Him in the wind, we can see His hand in nature, we can take a breath and His life flows into ours.

Just like Elijah when we take a moment in stillness, God will reveal Himself in a gentle whisper.

““Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.”
‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Fearing the Lord isn’t about terror it’s about fear and reverent awe that our Creator God is near.

As my husband and I were returning home from our nieces wedding in Salt Lake City, I was pondering a situation that required my trust in God. We were traveling on a two lane highway, when out of the corner of my eye, I saw a bald eagle perched on a fence in the prairie field. He was facing the highway. It reminded me that God is with me. The Lord knows an eagle is my favorite.

“Who among you fears the Lord and obeys his servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭50‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Trust in the Lord! Be still and He will remind you in a personal way that He is with you!

Wisdom in His Word

The spiritual discipline of fasting and prayer is not a new concept. Pastor Vlad Savchuk is an amazing Holy Spirit filled servant of God. His book, 21 days of fasting and prayer, challenged me.

“Fasting is not about what you are losing. It is about whom you are gaining. When you say no to a plate, you are saying yes to deeper awareness of Gods’ Presence. “ Pastor Vlad Savchuk

As a result of fasting, I felt prompted to share this declaration prayer. Spending time with our Creator is precious! Nothing can compare.

Creator God, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, glory and power are from You alone (Rev.17). Holy is the Lord God, Almighty.

Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God, Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6), He is Yahweh (Exodus 3:14)!

Creator God, Lord, You are worthy of all praise (Psalm 18:3). All things are possible with you (Matthew 19:26).

Lord, your Word is honey from the comb (Psalm 119:103). Jesus, you are the Bread of Life, Your word is the priceless wisdom for the mind, body and soul.

The Word of the Lord is pure and it is a shield for all who take refuge in Him ( Psalm 18:30). It is rich and wisdom. It is Living Water for the thirsty, it is a Light for our path. It is our destiny written from the beginning of time.

Your Word never changes ( Mark 13:31) Your Word encourages; it brings hope for the weary. Your Word directs the path of Your child. We must be still and spend time in Your Word. Your Word is life for our soul. Your Word is perfect. Your wisdom from the Word comes from heaven, when we must meditate on it. You are the Alpha and the Omega; the beginning in the end. Your Word is a lamp for our feet (119:105). Hallelujah. In Jesus Name, Amen!!

Reread and Declare aloud the prayer above, ask the Lord for more of His Presence. Humble yourself and be still, Jesus wants to give you His wisdom.

Here are more examples of His wisdom, our time spent with Our Creator, God and Jesus is priceless:

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus said:
“Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭20‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus said: “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Be still with Him daily and He will bring abundant wisdom to you. You are not alone. May God bless you!

“This is what the Lord says—the Lord who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is the Lord: Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭33‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Thirsty

Are you parched? Are you thirsty and weary? God has a scripture to encourage you and remind you that His promises are true!

Psalm 63:1-3 NLT
O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. [2] I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. [3] Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!

Are you tired? God is with you, our prayers even wordless sighs are understood by our God!

Romans 8:26-28 MSG
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Are you overwhelmed? You are in great company; Moses was overwhelmed as was David! Jeremiah and Isaiah felt stressed out.

Isaiah 61:10-11 NLT
I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels. [11] The Sovereign LORD will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere.

God met each of these men of faith where they needed His wisdom, strength and courage.

God filled their weaknesses with His strength when they humbled themselves into service for His Kingdom.

1 Corinthians 15:42-43 NLT
It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. [43] Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength.

Do you feel weak and exhausted by life circumstances? He wants you to call out to Him; He is Jehovah Jireh (our Provider).

Romans 8:26-28 NLT
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. [27] And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. [28] And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Did you know you are a child of God? When you ask Jesus to be your Savior and accept Him as the authority of your life, you are given His inheritance, because of His grace and mercy and His love on the cross! The resurrection of Jesus Christ made a way for each of us to have His inheritance. Jesus is the bridge between God and His children, us!!!

Romans 8:30- 39 [30] And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. [35] Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? [36] (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) [37] No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. [38] And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow-not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. [39] No power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Nothing can separate us from Jesus, our victory is in Christ alone. Amazing revelation from our amazing unconditionally loving Jesus!

Photo credit by pexels.com

Yahweh Always Shows Up

In my last reflection, I shared how the Lord has been impressing upon my heart the importance of emotional intelligence in our spiritual growth. This…
Yahweh Always Shows Up

I have had the privilege of developing mentees and training mentors along with the founder of Christian mommas, Dr. Temi for multiple years as they initiated their Mentor/mentee program spreading the gospel message, being in fellowship and accountability one on one and as a small group for the glory of God. Although I have moved into another season of serving women, I am forever changed by the goodness of God and these relationships.

Emotional and spiritual intelligence change generations for His Kingdom purposes. Learning our power and authority comes from Christ, we can break through the darkness. Jesus calls us to make disciples of His people and we can bring forth women who are praying, declaring and interceding for their families.

Sister Shanica was a mentee and has been sharing her God given insight for the Christian Mommas blog. She has been in leadership at Christian Mommas, I was so blessed to know her and am excited to see how God is using her humble submission to His calling.

I repost today’s blog because it is rich in wisdom. Please take time to read and meditate on the Word of God explained so well.

May God continue to bless Christian Mommas.

Glory to God for His wisdom can change the atmosphere in our families, generations of sons and daughters impacting the world.

Sleep Comes when you run to Him

Today I leave you with some amazing scriptures that remind me and you, that sleep and calmness comes when you run to God.

The illusion we are in control of anything is just that an illusion. There’s a God in heaven that loves you so much. That he would leave the 99 sheep and search for the one who may be lost, weary, regretful, or stuck in world culture.

Jesus spoke in parables, to bring understanding of His wisdom. One of my favorites is found in Matthew 18.

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.18.12-14.NLT

Meditate on these scripture examples:

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭6‬:‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭121‬:‭3‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Phil Wickham’s new song, “Running to a Runaway”, shares the amazing grace of our God. Play it on repeat as its beautiful lyrics prompt you to run to the Father. Let Him bring blissful sleep as you rest in His arms and be restored as His precious lamb.

For some reason I am unable to post it here. However look it up on Youtube. Be blessed by Your Great Shepherd, the King of Kings, Jesus!!

https://youtu.be/JO37gZtP9CA?si=9ahDwkCQec7eT2Z_

Focus

I’m not sure about you, but I feel like distractions abound lately. It’s almost like a tornado of information and data. Whether it’s social media, current news, events, strife, opposing opinions, politics, etc.. but God wants us to pause. Take a step back from the distractions and fix our eyes on what’s really true.

He is the way the truth in life. He is the way to peace. He’s the way to wisdom. We need His direction. The battle with distraction starts in the mind.

“Send out your light and your truth; let them be my guide; let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the places where you live. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and delight; I will praise you on the lyre, God, my God. My soul, why are you so downcast? Why are you groaning inside me? Hope in God, since I will praise him again for being my Savior and God.”
‭‭Tehillim (Psa)‬ ‭43‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭CJB‬‬

Visualize yourself sitting at the feet, Jesus. His smile lights up His eyes as He extends His hand to you. He wants to be in relationship with you. It’s your choice. He brings joy, peace and hope.

What is your happy place? Your favorite places could be next to a rolling river, listening to the sounds of the wind blowing through the pine trees. Could it be taking a hike in the mountains, the gravel crunching beneath your feet. Or is it sitting on the beach, listening to the waves crash at the shore. Wherever you find peace and can observe His creation is a happy place. For me it can be sitting in the middle of a horse pasture, listening to the neighs and whinny of a happy horse calling to its herd. Those beautiful, happy places reflect the gifts of the only One who can give you rest. God wants you to fix your mind, your soul and your body on Him alone.

He is lovely, He is excellent, He is the King of Kings, He is wisdom, He is waiting for you.

If you already know Jesus as Savior, and have declared Him aloud as Lord of your life. Let Him direct your steps to a great destiny. Filter your day with your eyes, mind and heart on the message of Philippines 4:7.

If you have stepped away from God, it’s time to reconnect, call on Jesus. He knows all the details of your life.

“He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth is from the earth and talks from an earthly point of view; he who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies about what he has actually seen and heard, yet no one accepts what he says! Whoever does accept what he says puts his seal on the fact that God is true, because the one whom God sent speaks God’s words. For God does not give him the Spirit in limited degree — the Father loves the Son and has put everything in his hands.”
‭‭Yochanan (Jhn)‬ ‭3‬:‭31‬-‭35‬ ‭CJB‬‬

If you have not called on Jesus and humbled yourself before Him as Savior and Lord. I must say there is no better place to rest in this world than to feel His Presence.

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.””
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

So get caught up in the whirlwind of the breath of God. Breathe Deeply, and receive rest for your soul, and remember where there is peace when we rest in Him.

Photo credit by M. Mesikapp and scripture photo by Youversion.

Seeing past obstacles

We have all been in the place where we wonder what will happen in the future, be it personally, for family members, or in life.

Many nights I may be awake until the early morning hours. I am realizing the stillness of the night or early morning hours is a great time for me to remember God doesn’t sleep.

He is the Alpha and Omega. He knows all things present, past and future. We plant seeds of faith as parents, siblings, friends, with strangers regarding Jesus but the Holy Spirit waters them.

I am becoming less frustrated when awake at 2a, instead realizing this is a gift from God. I am more open to listening to His instructions. Can you relate?

His word is rich with a peace, giving encouragement that we need. Sometimes during the day too many distractions caused us not to hear his voice.

I don’t want my actions to be an obstacle to faith in God, personally or for those in our sphere of influence.

Romans 4:17 AMP
(as it is written [in Scripture], “I HAVE MADE YOU A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS”) in the sight of Him in whom he believed, that is, God who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.

Just as Abraham was likely overwhelmed at times, his faith was tested and God brought life.

Yes, God gives life, and wisdom, believing this premise when we don’t see the end result brings our faith to another level. We aren’t ignoring the complicated circumstances we’re just allowing God to be the one to direct our steps and laying the circumstance at feet of Jesus.

We are all works in progress; I don’t want to be an obstacle to someone else’s amazing experience with Jesus who loves them more than I do.

“Faith recognizes the problem, the presents it to God, acknowledging Him in the face of the problem and declaring his truth and promises have a greater answer…. Authentic faith does not deny the obstacle but believes God is greater than the obstacle.” Roman’s 4:17 insight from the New Spirit Filled Bible

I am a recovering people pleaser, some call that codependency, it’s an obstacle for me at times. However, the more I spend time with God the more I realize I seek to please Him over others.

So let go and let God, trust Him even as you may be shaking in your boots, bit by bit you will grow your faith in Him over man. Bit by bit you will feel greater peace that passes human understanding.

Abraham chose to believe God would allow him to be a father at 100 years old, even though it seemed impossible. As a result of his trust in the power of God and His promises, he was not disappointed.

Romans 4:20-21 AMP
But he did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to God, [21] being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised.

One step at a time we must trust God too! It will be worth it! God never sleeps! He wants you to have a clear path to freedom with Him and into the future. He wants to bless generations of your family. Glory to God!

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Women and moms, God sees you!

We are called as women to impact the lives of others, whether we are women who give birth, serve others who are in need, spend time listening to others who need hope, open our home to mentor or foster children, or become moms of adoption.

Infertility is a part of my story, yet so is adoption as a mom of three and a child of God baptized in water and by the Holy Spirit.

Today at church, my amazing pastors ( women and men) shared their life stories. Their willingness to be transparent about their struggles and Gods’ goodness brings hope to all sinners, myself included who are saved by the grace and mercy of Jesus.

The story of Deborah in the book of Judges 4 is amazing because it shares the power of God and a woman willing to walk in the calling of God despite social constructs.

Deborah was a judge, prophet, and warrior bold to answer Gods call for her life, however, this scripture was brought to mind today at church. Powerful message as Deborah was also a mother to Isreal. ( we are spiritual mothers to whoever the Holy Spirit intersects with our lives). ❤️

Judges 5:6-9 MSG
In the time of Shamgar son of Anath, and in the time of Jael, Public roads were abandoned, travelers went by backroads. Warriors became fat and sloppy, no fight left in them. Then you, Deborah, rose up; you got up, a mother in Israel. God chose new leaders, who then fought at the gates. And not a shield or spear to be seen among the forty companies of Israel. [9] Lift your hearts high, O Israel, with abandon, volunteering yourselves with the people—bless God!

I never heard this part of Deborah’s’ story, she was listed as a mother in Israel. This story is for all of us, mom’s especially, daughters of King Jesus, who volunteer for God with abandon. May the Holy Spirit bring favor to you.

Happy Mother’s Day to moms of all types: single, married, step moms, foster, adopted, grandmoms, great grandmoms, spiritual mentor moms, dads who serve as single parents too. God sees you! The best way to feel the fullness of His unconditional love, grace, forgiveness, mercy and blessing is to get to know Jesus!

Those who have regrets in miscarriages or abortions, God sees you too. Call out to Jesus! Find a Holy Spirit led church that directs you in the Word of God. The Bible is our instruction for life.

Father God- I thank you, Lord that you are the God that sees each one of us: we are uniquely created in the image of Jesus. I ask you Lord Jesus to direct whoever is praying this prayer to a deeper relationship by the Holy Spirit. All power all might all glory comes from you Heavenly Father. Thank you Lord for the story of Deborah. It’s a great reminder of how much you love mothers and how you equip those you call into service, in Jesus name, amen.

Photo credit by Pexels.com

Lighthouse in a Storm

If our minds are racing with anxiety, worry, or fear, it is hard to hear the Voice of God! Between our personal lives, news reels, community unrest, wars and conflict, we feel overwhelmed.

The enemy of our soul wants to keep us in racing thoughts, anxiety, worry and fear. When we stay in that mindset, we are like a gerbil on a wheel. Ruminating on those unhealthy emotions leads to being stuck and cycling like the gerbil into more distress.

Joshua 23:8-11 AMP
[8] But you are to cling to the LORD your God, just as you have done to this day. [9] For the LORD has driven out great and mighty nations from before you; and as for you, no man has been able to stand [in opposition] before you to this day. [10] One of your men puts to flight a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who is fighting for you, just as He promised you. [11] So be very careful and watchful of yourselves to love the LORD your God.

We must break the cycle of rumination, we can only accomplish this transformation when we submit to His authority. He awaits our step into relationship; clinging to the Lord who wants to renew our minds for a wonderful future.

Romans 12:1-2 NLT
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. [2] Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Life brings crashing waves of conflict, storm clouds build into a deluge of crushing rain that seems like a curtain of darkness. The oppression may be overwhelming and yet there is a Light in the darkness. Like a lighthouse on the rocky shore, Jesus is the beacon of hope, wisdom and peace.

An amazing scripture Mark 4:35-41, shares how the disciples ( Jesus chosen friends on earth) were on the boat with Jesus who fell asleep, as a storm rose. They became fearful and awakened Him. Even though they walked with Jesus on earth, they let fear rule over trust in Jesus.

Mark 4:39- 41 NLT
39] When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. [40] Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” [41] The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

We serve an amazing God who equips His children for life including stormy times. If you don’t know Jesus yet, today change that mindset.

Because He wants to be in relationship with you and bring His supernatural peace and wisdom. No matter the storm, “Peace be still”! He brings the calm.

Mark 4:39 NKJV
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

Proverbs 14:30 MSG
A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones.

“Sound Mind”, by Melissa and Jonathon Helser, is my go-to worship song when I feel the cycle of worry or fear attempt to attach itself to my mind.

Sound Mind- Melissa Helser

Our Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, fights for us as He has promised in His Word. Cling to Him, our Lord and God! Be steadfast in seeking Him! The battle of the mind is escalating and yet those who are steadfast with Him will have victory, as will their children. Seek Him no other idol will save or bring peace. He is the God of all peace, Jehovah Shalom!

Do not become weary in doing good, He rewards those who keep His commandments. He is faithful and just to finish the work He started in us and in those we love. Glory to God!!!

Praise the Lord that he gives us a sound mind at these times! The sound mind over the spirit of fear. Go with God!

2 Thessalonians 3:13,16,18 NLT
As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good. [16] Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. [18] May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF JESUS?

Have you invited Jesus into your heart? Now is the perfect time. Pray this sinner’s prayer found at Gotquestions.com.

God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen.”

This is a reblog from May2024. One year later, the words in this blog post are even more relevant. Stick to the Creator God who knows all things and awaits your voice in relationship. Jesus is the only way to truth, peace and hope.

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Who gave the horse its strength?

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 Spirit developed 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!