Heather Molaro

prayer, giver, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, Women, ministry

Giver: Surprising Answers to Our Secret Heart Prayers

Devotionals, Stay SaneMay 9, 2018June 28, 2019

God is the giver Who gives what we don’t even know we need. He knows the depths of our hearts and answers the secret prayers within us, surprising us with His blessings.

I want to share with you my first prayer I wrote a little over a year ago when I started writing my prayers down with some regularity.

Dear God,

Thank you for Your messages in my life. You are moving mountains and have held my hand, comforted, and carried me. Thank you seems less… insincere. Your mighty works are awesome and great to be praised. Continue to help me accept the next challenge You are asking me to accept. I love to write and I keep feeling a pull from You to tell a story. Please guide my pen, words, and desires so that the story I tell is pleasing to You. Let me keep You as my truth and light. Bless my beautiful children. Guide them to find Your will in this season of their lives.

Love,
me

Answered prayer…

About six months later I mentioned in our church small group that I was feeling God pulling me to share my love and experiences. Rachael implored me to share what that meant exactly. I really didn’t want to say more, so I hemmed and hawed. Used some big words that meant nothing. She took my hands in hers and she said, “I need to hear the words. What is in you heart?”

“I want to write.”

“I’m going to share an opportunity. You can join in, or go a different way and I will be your biggest cheerleader…”

Can you imagine? I am tearing up thinking of it now. God answered a prayer, guided me on a path, and brought me an awesome new friend.

In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16:9, NIV

Unknown prayer…

I have felt so free and my spirit has been opened in ways I didn’t know could happen. Writing and sharing it with others has brought so, so much to my life. I have connected to my friends and family, my co-workers and small group members in deeper ways. People ask me to pray WITH them now. I think that has been the biggest privilege God has created for me. I still feel a little self conscious when I do, but that is more of wanting to find the right words.

A verse that has been helping me be more comfortable praying out loud with people is, If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15:7, ESV)

When this verse showed up on my Facebook timeline back in January, I wrote this prayer:

Dear God,

Thank you for your answers to prayers, Thank you for guidance and direction, Thank you for opening my heart and ears. Miracles surround us. Thank you!

Love,
me

Surprise prayer…

All this has lead to several talks with you, lovely readers, who have brought so much hope and inspiration to my life. You have shared words that have buoyed me. Comments that boosted me when the dark side of depression has tried to wheel its way into my life. I have felt love and connection when parts of my story have resonated with you. And I have reconnected with friends and family that I had resigned myself to losing.

Right before I wrote my story about my grandmother and grandfather, I saw the verse, Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV). As I reflected on this, I prayed:

Dear God,

Surprise me with ways I can influence others in Your light. I feel you talking to me, but there is so much, I’m not sure what is me and what is You. Help me to discern the difference. Let the Holy Spirit speak to me and let my heart hear.

Love,
me

Heart prayer…

A few days after that post, I had the most amazing conversation with my brother. We connected in a way that we haven’t since we both became grown ups. Life becomes busy, families grow, distance, both literal and figurative, pushed us apart. No, we never fought. We see each other a few times a year. Have been on vacation together a few times, but never spent time sharing what was on our hearts. God is so good; He gives us what we didn’t even know we need.

God is so good; He gives us what we don't even know we need. Click To Tweet

God is amazing. If you let Him speak to you, your life will become fuller. Mine is far from perfect, but the ugly parts are so much more bearable and the good parts are so much more glorious. Talk to Him. Listen to Him. Allow Him in. You will be so glad you did.

Sammie Vasquez

life verse, scripture, God's word, Oh Lord Help Us, Christian, women, ministry, encouragement

Life Verse: Discover Personal Meaning in God’s Word

Devotionals, Stay SaneApril 19, 2018June 28, 2019

What is a life verse? Do I need a life verse? Am I the only one without a life verse? This discusses the what, why, and how to discover God’s personal message for us through His word.

It seems like everything we do at our church asks us to list our “life verse”. Baptism – life verse; New Comers lunch – life verse; Starting Point sign up – life verse; Awana – life verse; Join the church – life verse. You get it.

But here is the thing….I don’t have a life verse. Yes, I read my bible quite a bit. And I have a fairly good working knowledge of God’s word and love all the history contained within its books. I know that it is a road map of mandates that will help me see my heavenly Father one day and spend eternity with Him. There have been many times in my life when I needed guidance and the verse was there to help me through. No life verse though. So I began a quest for one.

Step one: What the heck is a life verse?

After reading many sources, it seems that a life verse is just your “go to” when you need reassurance of God and his position in your life. It is a verse that speaks truth to you no matter what else or who else crowds your life. The truth that God loves you, Jesus died for you, and the Holy Spirit can guide you through the trials of earthly life.

As with any question I start researching, I found a lot of information. Other blogs about how to find a life verse, lists of other people’s verses, and some cautionary discussions.

When I am struggling with something, I like to see all the sides. Take it apart and really look at the basic reasons for its existence. I think that God want us to be more conscious of His word. He gave us these stories to guide us through this life so we can join Him in the next. Being so familiar with His work that I can quote it chapter and verse seems like a good use of my time and will ultimately help me in my quest to be the best reflection of His light possible.

Step two: Choose some verses to “try on”.

I was light hearted with this at first and took a quiz. It did give me a pretty good verse:

Trust the Lord with all; your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV

But as I accepted that the quiz did a really good job giving me a verse that totally fit the criteria of a life verse, I realized something. I forgot to pray about it first. So I talked with God:

Father,

This idea of a life verse keeps coming up. I have no idea what to say and it keeps coming up. Guide me to the verse that You know will be a cornerstone in my life. Help me discern Your meaning and show me how You want my light to shine for You.

love,
me

Then I opened my Bible. I used my copy of The New Oxford Annotated Bible. I landed on The Wisdom of Solomon 18:1, “But for your holy ones there was very great light. Their enemies heard their voices but did not see their forms, and counted them happy for not having suffered.”

Problem is, Protestants don’t include this book in their Bibles. Catholics and Orthodox religions do. I’m not really clear on why, though that is now a question in my research log: A list of questions I don’t know the answer to, but would like to know more about.

Not one to give up too easily, I went and got another Bible. After a few flips through, I landed on one that spoke loudly:

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself.

Matthew 22:37-39, CEB

But I really wanted a third option. I was really focused on the idea of the trinity here. So I pulled out my bible app and found the verse of the day. I admit, I read through a few before I found one that called out.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33, ESV

Step three: Pray and read the verses daily.

I am still on this step. I am asking God to speak His truth into my life. My problem seems to come down to this: I need all three of these verses in my life.

If I’m discouraged or unclear about God’s path for my life, Proverbs 3:5-6 seems like God’s answer. For those times when I am not being nice or am impatient with those around me, Matthew 22:37-39 helps me find my footing in God’s light again. And when life gets hard John 16:33 is full of encouragement.

I had hoped to have an ANSWER to the question, what is your life verse? by the time I was done with this post. I haven’t found it yet. However, it has dawned on me that the idea of a life verse doesn’t have to be permanent. It can be fluid and change as life changes and your faith grows. That thinking has made it easier for me to acknowledge that I haven’t found “THE VERSE” for my life yet, but the journey to find one (or three) has been enlightening and has caused me to be reflective of my life and God’s purpose in it, which I think is the point.

A life verse doesn't have to be permanent. It can be fluid and change as life changes and your faith grows. Click To Tweet

What is your life verse (or three)? Share in the comments.

Aaron Burden

legacy, love, teach, Oh Lord Help Us, ministry, women, encouragement

Legacy: Teaching God’s Love by Living the Example

Devotionals, Stay SaneApril 8, 2018June 28, 2019

Who has begun the legacy of love in your life, teaching you of God’s love? How will you continue this legacy of influencing others?

The warm sun came streaming in the window like a loving hug surrounding me as I stretched awake. The sound of waves crashing over the shore was so soothing and exciting at the same time. My little legs quickly kicked the covers off. I started demanding breakfast, my swimsuit, and when could we go out. Not the best way to wake up the adult you are sleeping with. I probably would fuss at my kids. My grandfather, though, joined in with as much childlike enthusiasm as his 6’2″ frame could contain. Genuine love beaming through every pore. My grandmother was already up, fixing a big farm style breakfast in the little camper that served as home for the week we stayed at Arrowhead Campground in Myrtle Beach, SC every summer of my childhood.

She turned and smiled with love and patience. It made me feel every wonderful and loving feeling all at one time. “Slow down, pumpkin. Let’s eat a bite, take our time getting dressed, and then we will hit the waves.” My grandma wrapped me in a hug that emoted so much love I can still close my eyes and feel how much heart was in the simple gesture. I can even smell the warm sweetness and the clean fresh natural smell that wafted from her.

My grandfather would say grace – a little long winded for my young wiggly body – as I waited for my turn to say “AMEN” with loud enthusiasm. As we ate, I was not just allowed to talk about whatever subject was rushing in and out of my little girl mind, but encouraged in my flights of fancy.

As we packed up our cooler and put on bathing suits and sunscreen my grandmother would sing. My favorite was “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart.” And I did. Great Joy. Joy for the beach, joy for my family, and joy for the God they were teaching me to love.

How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Psalms 36:7, ESV

Legacy: Living by Example

Love is a natural human emotion, but we are taught how to express it. My parents did a great job of teaching me what love was. They took me to church, encouraged me to find my true purpose and listen to God’s call. They came to everything I was a part of. I learned so many wonderful lessons from them, but my grandmother taught me the most about God’s love.

Love is a natural human emotion, but we are taught how to express it. Click To Tweet

She shared her love for our Savior with open abandon. You knew within the first thirty seconds of meeting her that she was a Christian in the marrow of her bones. No one ever left her presence not knowing that she loved them because Jesus loved them more.

I remember one time a lady came to her house to pick up a skirt my grandmother had made for her. My grandmother was a seamstress by trade and ran a small business out of her house. The lady who came was obviously poor and spoke very little english. My grandmother smiled that same warm smile that shined through her eyes, that she showed me. She asked the lady about her family and patiently listened as the lady told her about the hardships that their family was going through. My grandmother invited her to church, offered to come visit sometime soon, and told her she would put her family on her prayer list. The lady smiled with equal warmth. You could almost feel her burden lift a little. She paid my grandmother with a few dollars and a pie.

That night when we got to the part of our devotional where we lifted people up in prayer, my grandmother prayed for the lady and her family. Living life in service of others wasn’t lip service to her, it was a biblical imperative. She prayed daily. Read her bible and devotional nightly; even when she was too sick to get up out of bed. God’s love came through her until her last breath was taken.

For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

2 Corinthians 9:13, ESV

Legacy: Teaching Others

When my grandmother was at a hospice house the last few months of her life, she was still ministering to others. We would go visit and the nurses, other patients, and their families would tell us how much she meant to them. How they loved her. She loved them all right back. Every night she and my grandfather would read their devotional and pray. She would list them all by name. She would tell others everyday how much she loved them and how much God loved them.

One of the last times I came to visit she was sitting in the common room and there were three other families in there too. A nurse came in with a therapeutic golden retriever who nudged its head under my grandmother’s hand. She gave me the same smile, talked a few minutes and then asked me to read Revelations 21 outloud for everyone.

…The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city wea pure gold, like transparent glass.

And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day – and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Revelations 21:18-27, ESV

When I was done she looked at me and said, “That is what is waiting for me.” Then she took the hand of the nurse who had walked in and smiled at her. “That is what is waiting for all of us. God is so good, honey.” I broke down, put my head in her lap and cried. She lifted my chin and said, “Pumpkin, I love you, God loves you, we will always be with you.”

Legacy: Teaching Others to Teach

A few weeks later, right before she passed away, we all went to see her one more time. They were pumping her so full of pain medication she barely knew who we were. I spent three minutes with her right before I left. The fog seemed to lift for those three minutes. She smiled at me with all her love, she hugged me tight and that feeling of warm love enveloped me.

She patted my hair. “Why are you so sad, pumpkin?”

“I’m going to miss you so much. I love you, grandma.”

“I love you too, baby. We have made so many memories. I will live in your heart forever.”

I promised I would share her love and lessons with my children and that I would try to live the life that she wanted for me.

Your turn…

Who is the person who brings God’s love closer to you? How do they inspire you to draw closer to God?

Dear God,

Thank you for blessing my childhood and early adulthood with Virginia Vernon. You could not have given me a better earthly example of loving You than her. Help me to live the life You have planned for me. Help me to love others in the way You desire for us to love others, fully and without reservation.

Love,

Annie Spratt

still, quiet, listen, Oh Lord Help Us, women, Christian, ministry

Quiet: Intentionally Finding Space to Hear God’s Voice

Devotionals, Stay SaneMarch 27, 2018June 28, 2019

Life is busy and noisy. It takes being intentional with our priorities to be still and quiet, finding space to hear God’s voice, and follow His guidance.

As you know, I’m a planner. I like to have everything laid out just so on my schedule and roll down my check lists like an advancing army. If I have anything left undone I have a hard time moving on or stopping.

For years now I have been “on go” until I am so exhausted that I can’t take another step. Then I am so lazy and lethargic that I can’t move for a week. By then the next thing is coming around and the whole cycle starts all over again.

But I am learning the art of rest.

When I am in a frantic season of life and everything is on “GO”, my time becomes so limited. I neglect myself, my husband, and unfortunately God.

I have been seeing this more clearly lately and know that I have some priority shifting to do. God is my father. He is the creator that gives me breath and life. Clearly he should come first.

Priorities: Finding Space

In reflecting on this I can see that God is asking me to re-evaluate my priorities and give Him the ability to work in my life. It is in the quiet peaceful moments of life that I can experience God most. Therefore, I need to create these times (or leave time for these moments) more often. I try to start my day off with God and end my day with Him as well. Often I get distracted and start thinking about other things or worse – fall asleep. I totally get the disciples falling asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Then he came back to the disciples and found them asleep; they could not keep their eyes open. And they did not know what to say to him.

Mark 14:40, GNT

I recently was reading a new bible study called “Whisper: How to Hear the Voices of God” by Mark Batterson. He asks a question that stopped me in my tracks “Are we human doings or human beings?” I think I am often a human doing and then a human exhausted.

I am often a human doing and then a human exhausted...It is time to be a human being. Click To Tweet

As a teacher in a year round school I work for nine weeks then take three weeks off. My son has after school activities three days a week after school. On those days we often don’t get home till seven o’clock. I try to cook dinner at least 4 days a week. Our daughter plays college soccer and we go to all of her home games. That means we are on the road about two days a week from August through November. We are so busy that our house does not get cleaned like it should, our clothes can sometimes get piled up before I do laundry and the dishes occasionally spend the night in the sink.

I’m not trying to impress you with craziness, but show you I am just an ordinary wife, mother and teacher trying to “fit it all in”. What I am beginning to see as well is that I am a daughter of God and I need to give him a proper space in my life. It is time to be a human being.

Guidance: Hearing God’s Voice

The Lord says, “I will teach you the way you should go; I will instruct you and advise you. Don’t be stupid like a horse or a mule, which must be controlled with a bit and bridle to make it submit.” (Psalms 32: 8-9, GNT) This struck me in the same way as the question. Maybe I have been stupid for quite a while now. I have so much noise from the world: do this, go here, be this, achieve that, see this, hear that, think about this… I need to realize it is within my power to control this. It is time to be more thoughtful about the time and place I speak with my father daily. I can ask him for guidance and discernment in choosing my priorities.

So I’m making this pronouncement now to all of you in the hopes that I will be more faithful about my prayer time/quiet time. I will put God first in my day. Instead of trying to pray while I am getting ready in the morning, I will start my day with my bible and my prayer journal. I will find a quiet space in my house or as the weather warms up, out on my back deck. As I’m writing down my prayers I will focus on Your will.

Dear Father,

Thank you for answering my prayers faithfully. I know that you have been telling my for a while to stop and listen more carefully. Help me stay faithful to my promise to focus on You and less on the world.

Love,

If you have found this inspiring, share the encouragement…

Daria Nepriakhina

Fun: Accepting God’s Invitation to Life’s Adventure

Devotionals, Stay SaneMarch 1, 2018June 28, 2019

God carries us through times of sorrow, teaching us to live and love with abandon. We can trust God’s invitation to have fun and enjoy life’s adventure.

People have fun in lots of different ways. Go out to dinner, watch a movie, dance, play sports, hang-out with friends. Immersing yourself in hobbies is a great way to relax and unwind. I have been giving this a lot of thought recently.

Confessions…

I have a few confessions to make.

Here is the first: I am too serious. It’s not like I don’t laugh or smile, I do, but I take my life very seriously. I make lists, plans, prepare, and predict. When I was a young girl I would literally plan out conversations. I plan out each step of my day. As a student I would write out my plan for studying before I could begin to study. When we go on vacation I plan out itineraries weeks before we leave.

Confession number two: The thing I pride myself on, isn’t exactly true. Being intelligent has always been an important descriptor to how I see myself. My husband lovingly says I’m the smartest one in the room and it secretly fills me with bubbling joy quickly followed by a deep shame. Because it’s not true. I have a learning disability that makes organization and logical thinking difficult. To combat this I have pushed myself to the opposite extreme.

Finally, my most secret confession: I stopped believing in fun. I have focused my life on striving to find the best. Sometime around the age of twenty or so this seems to have taken a decidedly down hill turn. I decided on being a teacher and gave up my childish dream of being an actress on Broadway. Being a grown up took precedence in my life. When I became a mother I felt the weight of responsibility. A few years later I had my first brush with death, and mortality became a very real entity. Later in my early thirties the greatest tragedy in my life occurred – the death of my son. I lost joy.

By the time I was thirty-five, there was no fun left in my life.

Abandon

But God has a way of changing the story. He surely changed mine. We moved to a town where I knew no one. Our families lived hundreds of miles away. I had no job. What I did have was my husband and my daughter. We spent all of our time together that first year. I did eventually find a job, we met friends through my daughters soccer team, and we all learned to laugh more and have fun when our son was born.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12, NIV

God quite clearly reminded us to laugh and love with abandon. I remember one day when our baby was about 14 months old, the weather turned warm, the trees were in bloom and we spent a whole day out in the backyard. It was beautiful. We had a picnic that included his first popsicle. He drove his tractor, ran around naked, laughed like a loon, and took the sweetest nap curled up next to me while I read. It was the first thing I hadn’t “planned” in a long time.

Control

I wish this was such an awe inspiring moment that I realized my control issues were getting in the way of God living in my life…it wasn’t.

Over the next few years I kept asking God to help me put “fun” back into my life. There were more of these moments, but I never seemed to be able to catch hold of the string, and it kept flying out of my hand just as I would get my fingers around it.

During this time I started listening to a lot more Christian music and found Newsboys. Their song “Live with Abandon” has become an anthem in my life. Let go of the plans and live the life God has made for you. He wants you to have fun, live life to its fullest, and trust in Him. He has the plan.

“I wanna live with abandon
Give you all that I am
Every part of my heart Jesus
I place in your hands
I wanna live with abandon”

Trust

Over the last year I have found myself more trusting in this plan and more willing to give up control to God. I can’t really tell you why this has happened. We moved again, but this time to a town where we had some friends and family closer. My daughter is now grown up and off at college. I had to find a new job – one that was very difficult to begin with. My son has had a hard time adjusting, but finally seems to be settling in.

All this is to say that my life is ordinary…nothing that many other people haven’t dealt with. The one thing that has changed in the past year has been prayer. I am a much more faithful friend to my God. I talk to him everyday. Usually I write those prayers down, but not always. I also try to listen to Him. “What do you want me to do?,” and then I feel a pull, encounter a situation, or hear His words through someone else. His answers are there. I still plan my day, I know what is happening tomorrow and next week, but I have made some room for revision. I have made some room for an old relationship that needed some tending to.

Fun

Now, I am having fun for the first time…maybe in forever. I laugh more with my family, my students, my friends. I see the world brighter and clearer than I ever have before. My sense of optimism and redemption has opened up. Fear and anxiety have lessened. Life is calling me and I am excited to accept its invitation because I know it comes from my Father in heaven. Join me in the fun adventures God has planned for us.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Dear God,

Thank you for being my Creator. You have brought joy and purpose in my life. Help me live with abandon for You. Keep my feet on the path that follows Your plan. I know wonderful adventures await me if I will allow myself to trust in You completely. Thank you for guiding me. Continue to show me Your way forward through this life’s twists and turns. My greatest desire is to join You in the next life.

Love,

How has God changed your story?

If you have found this inspiring, share the encouragement…

Life is calling me and I am excited to accept its invitation... Click To Tweet

Luca Upper

Tragedy: Standing Firm through Grief and Suffering

Devotionals, Stay SaneFebruary 25, 2018June 28, 2019

Tragedy leaves us overcome with grief. How can we keep standing, praising, and trusting? Is God even there? Does He even listen to our cries?

There was another school shooting. It rocks me to my core every time I hear about children in school not being safe. As a teacher, and mother, I know that this is my worst nightmare.

I remember Columbine. God has had miracles come from that tragedy. At one school where I taught, we took part in Rachel’s Challenge.

I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a little kindness can go.

Rachel Scott, victim of Columbine High School massacre

Her family loved her and remembers her by trying to stop people from being left out, bullied or ostracized in the hopes that they never feel the need to pick up a gun and kill.

I remember Virginia Tech. There are now much better warning systems on all college campuses to alert students to danger. And as the mother of a college student I am grateful for that.

I remember Sandy Hook. There are not enough tears to cry for that senseless act. The babies that died that day and the adults who shielded as many as they could will forever haunt my dreams. But that community came together and supported each other in such amazing ways.

Now I have to say I remember Parkland, Florida.

So where is God in the middle of all this madness? Does he really want his children to suffer? He has to be here somewhere. He has to have a hand in this somehow. After all, He promised he would never abandon us. We cry out, “BUT WHERE IS HE?”

Grief and Praise

In times like this I return to Job. Everything was taken from him within a few moments. His servants and sons dead. His livestock stolen or killed. And what does Job do…he grieves and praises God.

When Job heard this, he got up, tore his clothes and shaved his head to show his sadness. Then he fell to the ground to bow down before God and said, ‘When I was born into this world, I was naked and had nothing. When I die and leave this world, I will be naked and have nothing. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of the Lord!

Job 1:20-21, ERV

Horrible things happen. God doesn’t always intercede. I can’t tell you why. I just know that there is never a moment when He isn’t with us.

Standing Through Tragedy

As the story of Job continues we see that Satan is telling God that humans will not stand with him when tragedy strikes. They will turn their backs and blasphemy His name. But God has faith in his children and tells Satan to do his worst, but to spare Job’s life.

Satan put sores all over poor Job, he was grieving, he was in physical pain, he sat in ashes and used broken pottery to scratch at the sores. But his friends came and sat with him to offer comfort.

Then they sat on the ground with Job for seven days and seven nights. They didn’t say a word, because they saw he was in so much pain.

Job 2:13, ERV

Job does cry out eventually. He begs God to end his torment and let him die. He questions God, “Why was I even born if this is what You had planned for me?”

How many times have we done that? Questioned our Creator? I fully admit to asking him “Why?” and being angry when I didn’t get an answer.

Are You There God?

Most of Job’s friends and family weren’t much better. His wife tells him to curse God. His friends say he has to have been up to no good. They thought, “God is paying you back.”

Not true. God is there in the tragedy holding our hands, lifting us up if we let Him, but never pushing us down. He can use these times, just like He did with Job to show us how He is always there. We must trust in Him to see us through.

Job is blessed to have a great friend who will speak truth to him and who loves God wholeheartedly. Elihu tells Job, you are not innocent, no one is. But he tells the friends they can’t accuse someone of something when they have no knowledge of it. They cannot blame God.

Job, God is not only powerful, but he is fair.

Job 34:17, ERV

He does not respect leaders more than other people. And he does not respect the rich more than the poor. God made everyone. Any of us can die suddenly, in the middle of the night. Anyone can get sick and pass away.

Job 34:19-20, ERV

The Answer to Every Question

God, Himself, then enters the picture. He reminds Job that He is the creator. He has made everything, and everything exists because of God. God then tells the story of Leviathan in Job 41. If we see Leviathan as Satan we can see that God is telling us that only He can control Satan. He is a deadly enemy and we must arm ourselves with God and His Word. Only with His help can we escape the clutches of Satan.

Job and his friends repent and pray to God. God forgives them.

When these moments of tragedy happen we can’t rage against God or blame Him. God loves us. He is our Father and Creator. Find a friend who can help you seek truth and God. We all know that evil exists. Bad stuff happens, but faithfully accepting that our Father is there in the tragedy will help ease the suffering.

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Facing God’s Truth

Now here is the hard part about tragedy. We have to acknowledge if we played a part in it. This could be a blind eye that was turned, a cultural norm that goes against God that we have let slip by, a friend we weren’t true to, or a warning we ignored. Yes, there are times we didn’t play a part, but just as often we are complicit because we let society dictate its own mores. Humans are weak and flawed. God is not. We have to be the friend who stands up and tells the truth, no matter the consequences because we know that God speaks through truth.

Dear God,

Please open our eyes to Your Word. Help us align ourselves with You and put more faith in You than in the world. Let us be leaders of the Light of truth that comes from being Your followers. Thank You for guiding us through tragedy and never leaving our side. Give us the courage and wisdom to speak Your will.

Love,

Are you facing your own tragedy?

We would love to offer our support by praying with and for you.

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Lent: Focusing On the Lord Through Fasting, Prayer, and Service

Devotionals, Stay SaneFebruary 13, 2018June 28, 2019

During this season of Lent, let us focus on the Lord, and His truth. Through fasting, prayer, and service, we align our hearts with His.

Dear God,

Help me share Your good news with others. Let Your light be reflected in me, and through me to others. Give me the right words and stories to touch the hearts of those You know need it most. Help me make unexpected miracles for You.

Love,
me

This post started with the basic idea to write about Lent, and then I got lost in a sea of research about what Lent is and its history. I am really good at research, but I can easily go down a rabbit hole of questions and answers that lead to more questions. Next thing I know it’s been two days and I haven’t written the first word for this post.

So I stopped and centered myself with the opening prayer.

I started with the question…

What is Lent?

It is a high holy time in the life of the church that lasts 40 days (not counting Sundays). There are 3 major components to the days of Lent: fasting, prayer, and service. The Lenten season begins with Ash Wednesday and ends either the Thursday, Friday or Saturday before Easter (depending on the denomination). Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday”, is the day before Lent begins. Historically, Christians used up their extra food, especially sugar, yeasted flour, and fruits that they had in their pantries in preparation for a time of fasting.

Fasting

Why fasting? Jesus gave His life for us. The ultimate sacrifice. We Christians try, through fasting, to pay homage to that sacrifice and acknowledge that we are all unworthy and fall short of the glory of God. During periods of fasting we should focus on this truth.

In the bible people fasted from food, but today many Christians give up something that they enjoy as a fast – technology, one kind of food or drink, secular music or something that they love to do for example. Last year, I didn’t give up anything, I added something – written prayer. Everyday during Lent and most days since, I have written my prayers down.

Prayer

Then my small group read Mark Batterson’s The Circle Maker. That study poured gasoline on the fire God had started burning in my heart, just a few months beforehand.

It has literally changed everything about my life. I am happier, more whole, and more in love with this life God has graced me with. God laid a road before me and all I had to do was walk it. No, it’s not always easy, but talking with God isn’t always hard either. I don’t like writing down my sins. That is a really hard thing to do, because you have to take responsibility for it when you write it down. On the other hand I always feel better once I lay my burdens down.

I also started writing my prayers every so often on Facebook – when the Spirit lead me. That simple act encouraged many of my family and friends, who in turn encouraged me. Then my friend Rachael, who started this wonderful blogging ministry, offered me the opportunity to write here on Oh Lord Help Us. I see all of these experiences as God’s hand working in and through my life right now. It is why I say I am having a love affair with my savior!

Service

So this year for Lent I want to take this love to the next level. Which brings me to the idea of service. I want to pray for you and with you. God has blessed me immeasurably this year. Let me share that with you and encourage you in your life.

Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on Earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Matthew 18:19-20

I am feeling led by God to work toward being a prayer warrior. If you have a burden to share or a shame to lay down and want someone to pray for you and with you, consider leaving a message in the new Prayer section. Also think about sharing your joys and triumphs so we can rejoice with you.

…rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing steadfastly in prayer;

Romans 12:12

Finally…

There is a favor I want to ask of you. Pray for us at the blog. We could use your love and support as we reach others for God’s glory.

And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

God’s guiding light is sure to shine through this Lent season.

All bible verses come from The American Standard Version.

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Cherished: Stop Self-Deprecating, and Start Being Kind

Devotionals, Stay SaneJanuary 30, 2018June 28, 2019

Being loved and cherished by the Almighty, we are free to accept ourselves. It is time to stop self-deprecating, and start being kind to ourselves.

Psst! Come in close. I have a secret…You are AWESOME! Yes, I am talking to you. You are God’s creation, made in his image. How can you be anything other than wonderful? Believe it!

Some of you don’t believe this. I know because I’ve heard you and even joined you in making comments like: “I am so fat.” “I have to smile because I have resting *****face.” “It is a bad hair day.” “Why do I look like this?” I have looked at myself in the mirror and seen someone so wanting that it seemed impossible to see why anyone would want me.

Cherished: Stop Self-Deprecating

Here is a hard truth I want you to think about, because I love you…

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

1 John 4:19-21

Added to this, I would also say that God wants you to love yourself. Way easier said than done, I know, but we have to work on this.

Here is my naked confession: I have seen myself as short, fat, doudy, babyish, bossy, ugly, unattractive, and unlovable. I have cried myself to sleep, felt deep shame for walking out the door, and wondered why God even put me on this earth. In front of others I have demeaned myself and worse, I’ve done it in front of my daughter.

I don’t want to add extra stress to your life, but we have to stop it. You are a child of God. I am a child of God. He doesn’t want you, or anyone, putting you down.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

Cherished: Be Kind to Yourself

Jesus loves you so much. He chose you, even knowing you are imperfect. He was born, lived, worked, loved everyone, and died for you! Jesus was, is, and always will be perfect. So His love for you is equally perfect. Remember how Jesus feels about you.

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.

1 John 4:12

So what should we do when we want to say these things or hear others say them? Simple…Pray. Open your heart to God and let His love pour into you. He will always be there in the moment. He will drive the doubt and fear away and give you the joy He means for you to feel in His love.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.

1 John 4:18

I have found prayers in God’s word are so comforting. They are His word and float right to my heart. When I am feeling defeated or tempted to say self deprecating comments, I remember His word.

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who give me strength.

Philipians 4:12-13

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You are fiercely loved, and in this love, fear can no longer remain!

Blessings: Seeing the Unexpected Goodness of God

Devotionals, Stay SaneJanuary 11, 2018June 28, 2019

Some blessings from God are undeniable, His goodness abounds. However, some blessings we may miss if we are not focusing on Him. Some are found in unexpected places.

A baby! My sister-in-law just had a beautiful baby. I haven’t even seen him yet and I know he is beautiful. He is a gift from God, how could he be anything else.

A new job! My husband recently got a new job that he hadn’t even been looking for but it has afforded him so much opportunity in such a short period of time.

An “A”! My daughter is a college sophomore and is finishing up another semester with top grades. So much to be thankful for. Abundant blessings from God.

…because of the God of your father, who will help you, because of the sovereign God, who will bless you with blessings from the sky above, blessings from the deep that lies below, and blessings of the breasts and womb.

Genesis 49:25

But what about “Mommy my ear hurts!” or “You aren’t doing enough Heather. I think you can do a better job.” Are these blessings? Could they be? Yes, I think they could be. Maybe not in the moment, but they can be.

Last year I got a “neutral” evaluation at work. I have never had anything but a stellar review in 20+ years. It was very hard to hear. I wanted to fuss, make excuses, blame others. But the truth is that I was working with no joy for what I was doing. I wasn’t blessing others so I didn’t deserve to be blessed. What I did deserve was a wake up call that made me draw closer to God. My Heavenly Father was there in my time of need. He pressed upon me to pray. I could hear His voice in my head so clearly, “Talk to Me. Let Me be a part of your life.”

Jesus replied, ‘Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.

Matthew 21:21

No mom ever wants their child to be hurt or sick. So how can “Mommy my ear hurts!” be a blessing? First it is another opportunity to pray. Invite God into the situation. Second, it gives everyone a chance to slow down. Even if it is only for the day, those snuggles, time to play together, and just a moment to relax are precious gifts. Blessings.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

I don’t want you to think I believe God allows bad things to happen. I categorically denounce that idea. Satan is alive and well in our world, sin runs rampant. Bad things, unspeakable things happen. But God is there. He will hold you and tighten His hold to help you get through. You will never be alone…and that is the true blessing.

‘no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,’ declares the Lord.

Isaiah 54:17

You have heard “when the world hands you lemons make lemonade.” That is what God wants from us. Make a life that glorifies Him, invite Him into the brokenness. He will sweeten your experience and love you through it all.

My blessing is on those people who trust in me, who put their confidence in me.

Jeremiah 17:7

Dear God,

Bless our hearts. Attune them to your voice. Let Your love surround us and tighten in our times of need. Thank You for always being there for us. You are my best friend because in You I find my truest and best self. Thank you for that blessing.

Love,

All scripture used is from the New International Version.

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Even in the difficult times, God is pursuing us and longs to pour blessings upon us.

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Love Letters: Expressing Our Desire and Commitment to God

Devotionals, Stay SaneDecember 10, 2017June 28, 2019

Coming to know the Lord in deeper ways, it is natural to express our love to Him. Writing our prayers as love letters expresses our desire and commitment.

Have you ever received a love letter? Maybe in elementary school, the kind that said “check yes or no”? From a first boyfriend that included some attempt at romantic poetry? Or your fiancé or spouse that said how much they love you and couldn’t wait to be with you again because you make their life better? My husband and I used to exchange these types of emotional, gooey, heart-felt letters when we would spend time apart. They would make me feel so warm and special, and still do when I look back and reminisce over them. I still love him so much that I can’t imagine a day without him in my life, even after more than 20 years of marriage.

Love Letters: An Affair with the Creator

Recently, I have started a new love affair that surpasses all of that. This love affair is grander than all of those other lovely, beautiful, essential loves because this love affair is with the Creator of all the others. With all of my heart singing and shouting, I proclaim: “I am in love with God!”

Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Whoever loves is a child of God and knows God.

1 John 4:7

I have always thought of myself as a Christian. I have gone to church, prayed, read the Bible and even talked with others about my beliefs. But recently I have finally begun to understand Agape love – the love of God for man and of man for God. Not just understand it, but feel it. The enormity and pure emotional connection that God has laid out to you and me is awe-inspiring. No one loves us like our God. He loves us before we existed and that love only multiplies.

For God so Loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

My husband, children, family, friends and students have all held pieces of my heart and I’ve doled out an equal piece to God. Seems reasonable, or it did to me. But I’m seeing now how much I’ve been missing. God GAVE me all the other relationships. Without Him, none of the others matter because they don’t exist. He loves us so much, He gave you and I a heart to love people. Why shouldn’t we love Him the most?

We love because God first loved us.

1 John 4:19

Love Letters: A Glimpse of God’s Love

About a year ago I started writing my prayers down. I did this as a way to be more intentional about my prayers and as a way to thoughtfully consider what I wanted to say. If it sounds technical and clinical, it was. Like a check list, I would make sure I had told God what I was thankful for, confess at least one sin, ask for forgiveness, and then ask for one thing for the world (peace, an end to hunger, for safety).

Looking back at it now, I see how clueless I have been in my love and understanding of God. God was right there for me though.

What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete as God’s knowledge of me. Meanwhile these three remain: faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:12-13

He took my meager attempts at communication and started talking to me, presenting opportunities to have conversations with Him that have grown my love immeasurably.

May the Lord lead you into a greater understanding of God’s love and the endurance that is given by Christ.

2 Thessalonians 3:5

First He put new friends in my path that loved me before I loved them. He showed me His heart through their compassion and love for each other. We have read and studied His word together and every time I see these people I feel God’s presence.

Then he started putting books in my path that spoke to my heart and pushed my head out-of-the-way: Present Over Perfect, Shine, Hurt Road, She’s Got Issues, and The Circle Maker. These books all have been instrumental in my newly awaked love.

There is nothing that God loves more than people who are at home with Wisdom.

The Wisdom of Solomon 7:28

Love Letters: Intimacy with God

Finally, God has opened a life line of hope and joy in my life that I have always searched for. I have always wanted to feel His presence, but quite frankly haven’t except in the rare moments that I would call out from a place of brokenness and sorrow.

This hope and joy has come through prayer. But not just any prayer, love letters. I write God a love letter almost every day.

Dear God,

Thank You for loving me. I need Your love today to be my best self. Help me to hear Your desires so that I can reflect Your love and passion to those around me. I love You! Help me to love others the way You love me. Speak to my heart. I need to step out in faith, believing that You have me tight in Your arms, so I can never truly fall even if I fail. Help me remember to move toward Your miracles.

Love,

Me

Be ready for God to answer you.

He said, “God loves you, so don’t let anything worry you or frighten you.” When he had said this I felt even stronger and said, “Sir, tell me what you have to say. You have made me feel better.”

Daniel 10:19.

Maybe it will be with a feeling of calmness, words from a friend or family member that come at just the right time, or a Bible verse that just pops up. He loves you beyond all words – let Him hug your heart today.

All scripture used is from the Good News Translation.

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but God… loved

This is where our stories change.
Believing the truth that you are fiercely loved by the Creator changes everything.