Devotionals – Page 37 – Oh Lord Help Us

Heard: Embodying Godly Virtues While Speaking Truth

Devotionals, Stay SaneNovember 15, 2017September 8, 2019

Everyone has an opinion, and not all opinions exist from truth. It can be difficult to embody Godly virtues while trying to be heard.

My 30th birthday is fast approaching. Yes, yes… I’ve heard it all… “You’re so young!” “You’re just a baby!” “Wait, what!? You’re not 30 yet?” I have been the subject of these phrases a lot, lately. At first I laughed, then I felt a bit fired up and defensive, but now I’m feeling encouraged!

Being perceived as “young” has a few negative connotations. Some have a hard time taking stock in what you say. Some categorize you into your “generation name” (I will spare my opinions on that). Some, just simply do not show much respect toward those younger.

My attitude about my age was encouraged when I read through the entire book of Job. Please do this if you haven’t in a while or ever. I also encourage you to switch between NIV and MSG versions, as both can help you understand the intense conversations between Job and his friends.

Encouraged reading Job? Job is depressing and what in the world does that have anything to do with age?

The back and forth between the three friends had me all sorts of confused! Rightfully so. These men were “old” and “wise”, right? Should I side with the friends? Should I side with Job? I had lost all sense of “hope”, then this fiery young fella, Elihu, rises up and lays in to them all! Who the heck is Elihu? He was not the subject of any Sunday school lessons. What makes him worthy of 6 chapters in the book of Job?

“You have my attention Elihu!”

Heard: Show Respect

Elihu is the youngest of the men gathered, and he acknowledges that fact first. He also makes it known that because of his youth, he has held his tongue while the old guys banter.

I’m a young man, and you are all old and experienced. That’s why I kept quiet and held back from joining the discussion.

Job 32:6, MSG

I hung on your words while you spoke, listened carefully to your arguments. While you searched for the right words, I was all ears.

Job 32:11, MSG

This is one of the best character traits we see in Elihu. He is the embodiment of respecting your elders. He showed respect, thus, his words were received. Elihu waited his turn; not interrupting those he did not side with. He did not belittle their opinions by making fun or laughing at them. He waited patiently, really listening to their words.

Heard: Confidence Through Truth

I kept thinking, ‘Experience will tell. The longer you live, the wiser you become. But I see I was wrong—it’s God’s Spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty One, that makes wise human insight possible.

Job 32:7-8, MSG

Elihu was not afraid to speak his feelings to his elders because he knew his words were true; truth, Spirit prompted from the innermost of his heart. The same should be true, when we write or speak against anyone’s personal opinions and feelings. We must make sure we do it from a position of knowledge. Whether it’s in God’s word, or extensive research on the matter. Above all, our argument should not be from a place of anger or animosity.

Heard: Be Reasonable

Elihu was extremely passionate about what he was saying. However, in the midst of the intensity, he was also reasonable.

My words come from an upright heart; my lips sincerely speak what I know. The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Answer me then, if you can; stand up and argue your case before me. I am the same as you in God’s sight;

Job 33:3-6, NIV

He was reasonable enough to acknowledge that he was fired up, but that he should not be held in a higher regard than any other. Particularly, he recognized that his words were not his own, but from the Spirit of God.

Heard: All-Inclusive

Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me, you men of learning. For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food. Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.

Job 34:2-4, NIV

I believe this is one of the most important characteristics to learn from Elihu. Elihu included everyone listening, in his argument. He truly invited all of the men to enter in to his speech. To learn, together, the power of God. Elihu spoke from the ground with the others, not from a lofty, high above pedestal. In other words, he spoke from a posture of equality, not from a know-it-all angle.

Heard: What God Speaks

When God finally spoke, he scolds Job, all three of his friends, but makes no mention of Elihu. I believe Elihu ushered in the Spirit of God while he was speaking. Although he was the youngest of the men, he was the most impactful. He spoke with passionate truth, humility, and love for God.

Elihu has me encouraged for the future. Yes, I may be the youngest of most of those I hang around, but I believe, if I can embody the characteristics of Elihu, I can make a lasting impact. How humbled I would be, if the Lord chose me to usher in his Spirit so those with closed hearts would hear and know His truth!

What about you? Have you ever heard of Elihu? Do you find these characteristics helpful when approaching an intense subject with differing opinions?

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healing, goodness, uncomfortable, redeemed

Healing: Understanding that God’s Goodness May Be Uncomfortable

Devotionals, Stay SaneNovember 12, 2017January 13, 2019

God promises healing of our wounds, but this can be an uncomfortable process. Understanding this, we can trust His goodness and accept His healing.

“Mommy, why do my eye lashes feel weird?” A quick look at my preschooler’s eyes, and I knew we woke up to pink eye. Ugh. Pink eye is just gross, but really, it’s not a big deal. We went to the doctor, who took one look at him and declared it was, in fact, pink eye, and left for the pharmacy to get some antibiotic eye drops. One week later all is well, and the pink eye is gone.

You may be wondering how in the world this little family adventure of mine has any connection to God, but God oftentimes uses my children to teach me about Himself. This small hiccup with pink eye was no exception. I’m sharing today what God taught me about Himself as I cared for my little guy.

Healing: Uncomfortable

To treat the infection, I gave my son one drop of medicine in each eye three times daily for a week. At first, eye drops excited him. It was the novelty of it really. His older brother used eye drops in treatment, and little brother thought “cool, now I can have eye drops too.” Then the first drop hit his eye. It was not a pretty sight. He wailed. He realized eye drops are just not fun. The first few days, it was a tremendous battle to get those tiny drops in his eyes, but I had to win this battle.

Though he hated the drops, they were necessary to heal his eyes. There I was, three times a day, making my own child cry. I didn’t like it any more than he did, but I understood that this unpleasant week was for his good in the end. My actions towards him that caused his discomfort and crying came from a place of care. The deep, unwavering love I have for my child meant doing what was best for him even when he didn’t like it.

I am also healing from deep wounds at the moment. They are not visible like my son’s pink eye. There is no medication to make it better in a week, but there is healing. God is the Great Physician. My wounds, the deep wounds of childhood trauma, can heal. He promises.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18, ESV

Yet He isn’t only near to the brokenhearted but…

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3, ESV

Healing: Understanding

Many times in this healing process, which is not a fast one, I find myself facing a next step that I don’t like. Like the eye drops, it’s not fun. There is discomfort. It is hard, and I don’t want to go through it. Just like my child battled against me as I gave him healing medication, I battle against God as He leads me along this healing journey.

I feel the brokenness. I gush from the wounds. Yet the binding and the healing doesn’t feel good, and often it feels worse before any semblance of relief hits. I fight against my Father who only wants what is best for me, even when I don’t like it.

I was reminded, as I saw myself in my son, just how good my Father is.

Withholding eye drops from my son because he didn’t want them would not have made me a good mother, though he would have been quite happy. That would have caused him more harm in the long term as the infection would continue to get worse. Providing him with care no matter how much he disliked it was the loving action to take. I was a good mother to him because I did what was best for him.

My good parenting moments are such a small, imperfect reflection of the goodness of my Father. As I considered the good I was doing despite my child’s protests, I found my own heart softened to the next steps in healing that my Father was lovingly taking me on. I did not like what lay ahead, but I found comfort knowing I have a good Father who is binding my wounds and healing my heart even when it hurts, or makes me uncomfortable. Though I protest, He is still good in continuing to provide what I need as He heals me. He is a good Father, and He always does what is best for me, His beloved daughter.

Healing: Acceptance

Sometimes the places we need healing require a treatment we would rather not endure, and we protest. Being honest, we all battle against our Father sometimes, don’t we?

What places in your heart is God bringing about healing, yet you still find yourself fighting against Him?

Sister, let me remind you how good your Father is. That healing and binding that is causing your discomfort and maybe is downright painful…He is only doing it because He is good, and He knows what is best for you.

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You may feel broken, but God loves you, and pursues you, and will redeem you and your story!

Impact: Being Prepared to Influence Others, Even With Fear

Devotionals, Stay SaneNovember 8, 2017January 13, 2019

We are called to impact all of the people we come into contact with. We need to be prepared for this, and know how to act. Even if we feel fearful.

Some of my favorite time spent with my husband is late at night, snuggling under the covers, having meaningful conversation. Recently during one of our pillow talks the Lord convicted me when we were in the middle of a conversation about a friend who doesn’t know Jesus.

Impact: The People

I’m a believer in being a good steward of the things the Lord gives us. Just as I believe in being a good steward of our home and our finances, I believe that the people in our lives are there strategically. We are called to be good stewards to them. How many days go by where we hardly think anything of that?

Both hands raised, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m guilty of overlooking people placements and just focus on me and my day. But actually, every lunch appointment, every barista, every stranger that we pass in the post office, every neighbor, all of those people are strategically in our path for that day. Hear me when I say this: I’m not saying we should walk around stopping every stranger, I’m simply suggesting for us to consider this question, what would happen if we learned to be more sensitive to the guiding of the Holy Spirit? Movements? Maybe even miracles?

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

Proverbs 16:9, NIV

Impact: A Command

“Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations” Matthew 28:19. This is the Great Commission, it’s a command to us from the Lord. So why are we so stagnant in this regard? Why do we mosey around like we’ve got all the time in the world? We don’t. Job 14:5 says our days are numbered, friend.

I listened to this speaker once who gave the most perfect visual of earth versus eternity. In his talk he had this rope, the first five inches or so were red. The rest of the rope, which seemed like miles long, was white. He said that the red part of the rope represented our time spent on earth and the white part of the rope represented our time we spend in eternity. His emphasis was on sharing Jesus because we are not given much time here on earth.

It created an urgency for me. It put things into perspective. The things I was walking through my day claiming to be important, couldn’t compare to the importance of this: Souls. Hearts. Eternity. We, as Christians, are to be salt and light. So what are we waiting for?

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV

Impact: With Fear

As our pillow talk conversation got a little deeper, I shared with my husband that I haven’t always been able to freely talk to people about the Lord. Until about the age of seventeen I was incredibly shy. Over the years boldness developed. That boldness came from encountering the Lord, growing my confidence in Him. It used to be, if I came across someone with a different belief or someone who didn’t have a personal relationship with God, I just didn’t talk about Him. I know that it’s not all in the talking. But I realized that the reason why I didn’t talk was because of fear.

Fear is so paralyzing. I was afraid of what other people would think of me. Afraid that they would be mean to me because I believed differently than them. And the worst, I was afraid that they would ask a hard question about Jesus that I wouldn’t be able to answer. Well friends, the truth is… none of us have all the answers. I had to learn to trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit and just share what He has done in my life. And what the Lord has done in my life is far too great for me to stay silent about it. I have also learned that it is more about loving someone well instead of “convincing” them into Christianity. Love will take you farther than persuasion ever will.

Impact: The Guidance

I encourage you, the next time you are around that table with your family, on that bike ride with your friend, bumping into that neighbor while at your mailbox, or grabbing that coffee from the barista, lean into the Holy Spirit and trust His guidance. When you don’t know what to say or have no response to a “God question”, silently ask Him to give you the words. Trust that He will give them to you. Let Him work through your vulnerability and be willing to be bold. After all, you may just experience something pretty amazing.

So let us keep on coming boldly to the throne of grace, so that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16, ISV

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Krissia Cruz

Freedom: Seven Verses to Break the Bondage of Should and Ought

Devotionals, Stay SaneNovember 5, 2017June 28, 2019

Many of us women find ourselves enslaved to the bondage of what we “should” and “ought” to do. Freedom from this way of life is possible if we fight for it.

You should eat more vegetables.

You should get more exercise.

You should lose that ten pounds…yesterday.

You should read your Bible more. And while we’re at it, you should pray more.

You ought to be more kind…and really, you should visit your mother more often.

You ought to adopt one of those Compassion children… Or give money to save those sad, quivering dogs shown on the commercials during your favorite television shows. (Why are they always cold?)

Freedom From: Measuring Up

Sometimes it’s like a ceaseless loop spinning in my brain, the constant ‘shoulds and oughts’ whispering. Or screaming, depending on the day. Each whisper holds the same underlying message: I don’t make the bar; I didn’t measure up to an unknowable goal.

This is a battle of the mind, and a battle of the spirit and a war too many women fight. Regardless of age, race, or education, there are few women with whom I have been acquainted who have not struggled with the inner voice of ‘shoulds and oughts.’

Bondage: The Source

From where or whom does it originate? Obviously, it belies a lack of self-esteem, but it appears to be most rampant among females. There are many possible reasons.

Home

For some, it began in a home where perfection was expected and average was seldom accepted as ‘good enough.’ For others, abandonment or neglect in childhood bred feelings of not being valuable. Childhood sexual abuse also kills self-worth.

Church

Others attend, or grew up attending churches with rigid doctrine concerning God. God was used as a threat. He was angry or didn’t love us if we did this or that (or didn’t do this or that). This is completely NOT scriptural. However, it is completely controlling for a leader to use in manipulating the flock to do his own will. In reality, Scripture teaches clearly of the Father’s unfailing love for us, of His infinite patience, and His desire that none should perish. But that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). (Please don’t read this to mean I believe that God doesn’t punish sin. However, His punishment is never punitive, as a person’s might be).

Culture

The culture in which we live has placed a great deal of ‘shoulds’ on females today. For instance, every single girl or woman should have peaches and cream skin, be at least 5 feet 7 inches, and have the body of a size 2…with a bra size of at least 36C. Probably 98% of the females who walk the planet do not possess these traits. Consequently, there is an epidemic of women everywhere who are ashamed of their bodies and/or looks. In the seventies, PR departments of clothing and makeup companies co-opted what was once a normal, average female body and convinced at least half of the population that they were not as thin or beautiful as they should be…

And Satan loved it so.

Bondage: The Result

As a result, depression has taken a significant leap in teen girls in recent years and eating disorders are not just for kids

Scripture’s Should and Ought’s

Then He spoke a parable to them that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…
Luke 18:1

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
John 13:14-15

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
Acts 5:29

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples [weaknesses] of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Romans 15:1

And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
I Corinthians 2:4-5

…bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so also should you.
Colossians 3:13

For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
I John 3:11

Freedom

There are several more verses to offer, but truthfully, if my heart and mind will focus on Scripture’s oughts, the lies will cease. In fact, they have stopped occurring as often as they did in the past. Satan is a slow learner, but he does finally get the hint.

And in the midst of it all, I am learning how to be a little more like my Lord and Teacher, Jesus Christ.

The next time you find yourself trapped in the bondage of should and ought, fight for freedom with the Word.

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The world continually feeds us the lie that we need to be different. Replace that lie with truth. Because you have been loved, pursued, and redeemed by Christ, you are enough!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Dawid Zawiła

Identity: Finding the Source of Who We Are

Devotionals, Stay SaneNovember 1, 2017January 13, 2019

Instead of us looking inward to find our identity in Christ, we need to look to who He is. Only by knowing who He is, do we know who we are.

My adolescence was spent mostly outdoors. Unless I had schoolwork or lightning was splitting the sky, I was breathing fresh air. Most of my childhood memories revolve around being in nature. Often, I reflect on experiences like when a friend, my brother, and I unrolled toilet paper back-and-forth across the street and through several yards. In the rain. That was fun.

As a child, I exhibited awe and wonder; I trusted with abandon. There was nothing to distract me from marveling at God’s creation. Unfortunately, maturity walks hand-in-hand with the loss of innocence and awe takes a back seat.

In the movie Alice in Wonderland, there is a scene with the Mad Hatter and Alice that I love:

“You’re not the same as you were before. You were much more muchier; you’ve lost your muchness.” – Mad Hatter

“My muchness?” – Alice

“In there [he points to her heart], something is missing.” – Mad Hatter

Identity: What It Is

The dictionary defines muchness as: greatness, as in quantity, measure, or degree. But we all lose our muchness sooner or later. We work on ourselves to restore what is missing when we slow down long enough to realize it. Frantically, we read about how much God loves us and who He says we are, trying desperately to regain our identity as a child of the King. But we are missing something. Does anyone else feel it?

A vital step is being skipped in our effort to reclaim our identity in Christ. Knowing how precious we are in God’s sight doesn’t hold much weight nor do we even possess the ability to believe it fully without intimately knowing His character. Otherwise we are like the man James references who looks at himself in the mirror and then once he walks away immediately forgets what he looked like (James 1:23-24).

Identity: Where It Comes From

How do we recover or incite the wonderment of God?

Psalm 111:10 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Being a confident woman is not achievable by hours of introspection and assuring myself that I am precious in God’s sight. The words are true; so why do I continue to doubt their validity by being anxious, trying to take control and micromanaging the crap out of everything around me?

Proverbs 14:26 says that strong confidence is found in the fear of the Lord; that is where we begin to lay hold of our “muchness.” Once we have a grip on how all-powerful our Mighty God is, we can equip ourselves to believe the adoration He lavishes on us.

Awe helps us worry less about self-worth by turning our eyes first toward God, then toward others. It also helps establish our self-worth in the best possible way: we understand both our insignificance within creation and our significance to our Creator. – Jen Wilkin

We are precious in God’s sight. He does adore us. His perfect Son was slaughtered so that we could have access to call the One who controls the universe Father. May we remember that He holds the stars in place. He tells the sun to rise and set.

Take a walk in His creation and stand in awe of Him.

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Tj Holowaychuk

Purpose: Choosing to Have a Joyful Heart During Mundane Seasons

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 29, 2017January 13, 2019

It can be difficult, during lulls of life, to find purpose and joy in the moment. It is sometimes hard to see God’s design through all the tasks, commitments, and errands. Living with a cheerful heart, even during the mundane seasons, is possible!

A new season is upon us. Fall is here, but, more annoyingly, it is gnat season. Those little buggers seem to be everywhere and are extremely obnoxious. I’ve picked up my fresh fruits and veggies from the market, and, wouldn’t you know, my produce came with something a bit extra. Free with purchase.

“Oh! Hello, tiny, kamikaze fly, floating in my beautiful cup of coffee.”

Purpose: Mundane Seasons

The audacity. I get it, with everything there is a season, but golly! Turns out, there are a few important reasons for these gnats to exist, but why do they have to live in my house? It would be fine if I had a bird flying around to eat them. It would be awesome if I actually had flowering plants to pollinate. But, alas, I do not. Those little gnats trapped themselves in my home and now they lack purpose.

There have been many seasons in my life when I have felt like that gnat. I felt trapped, without function or significance. I stepped into daily rhythms and monotony with blankness. Unseen chores and sacrifices left me feeling gloomy and worthless. Most recently, I caught myself staring out the window watching the wind toss around leaves.

I actually thought to myself, “The wind has more importance than I do.”

Hold the phone! I allowed Satan to steal my mission, my ambition, my happiness. He whispered in my ear and told me I just wasn’t important enough. “Your tasks are insignificant.” “You have no purpose.” “God can’t use you.”

A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.

Proverbs 17:22, MSG

I fed into these lies, and sent myself spiraling down the rabbit hole. I was tired, lacked interest, and depressed. A bit redundant, but I struggled to find joy in most situations and occasions. I really started to annoy myself. It stinks that it had to go that far, but I finally knelt and prayed to my Father. He responded quickly … and it hit me! A lesson I had learned when I was little…

Purpose: A Joyful Heart

Growing up, I always enjoyed spending time at Aunt C’s house. She taught me a lot of practical things. For instance: how to fold towels properly, how to plant flowers, how to pull weeds, how to pick veggies from the garden (my favorite), how to wash dishes by hand. She taught me how to hang clothes on the line and make a bed. She taught me how to can and preserve food – so awesome! Aunt C’s home was spotless (I bet she never had a gnat), her meals were homemade and delicious, her yard was beautiful.

The most important lesson Aunt C taught me was not one she spoke to me, but one I learned from watching her. Do all things with a joyful heart. She did her work without complaint or frown. I’m sure she had moments, but I never saw one. Her example was so valuable to me that I remember it still. I have this little mantra on repeat in my head when I feel Satan start to creep in, “With a joyful heart, with a joyful heart…”

Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the Lord and not merely for your masters, remembering that it is the Lord Christ who is going to pay you, giving you your full portion of all he owns. He is the one you are really working for.

Colossians 3:23-24, TLB

I never knew why Aunt C’s lesson was so significant to me until I became a wife and mommy. Day to day tasks, like I said before, can get repetitious. Especially when you feel those duties are invisible. One thing that pulls me out of this mindset is that phrase. Remembering that God sees my work and sees my heart as I work, changes my attitude. God purposed me for these moments and I will carry them out with a happy attitude.

I knew you before you were formed within your mother’s womb; before you were born I sanctified you and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.

Jeremiah 1:5, TLB

Before I was even conceived, I was given purpose by my Creator. For this season, I am to establish an atmosphere where Christ can dwell. A home where I can encourage His purposes for children’s and husband’s lives. A home where gnats dwell… if only to inspire me to write this post.

Before I was even conceived, I was given purpose by my Creator. Click To Tweet

Your turn…

Has God called you to a specific season, recently?

How have you surrendered your heart to happiness?

If you have found this inspiring, share the encouragement…

Sapan Patel

Forgiveness: Six Things We Can Do When the Pain Lingers

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 25, 2017September 8, 2019

Forgiveness can be extremely hard and the pain feels like it will never subside. What can we do to heal, when the apology never comes? What does the Bible tell us about forgiveness and remorse?

Most of us learn about forgiveness and remorse early in life. In my experience, these two lessons work in tandem best when parents help mediate. (Especially when siblings are involved.) I was taught to apologize to my brothers, my parents, anyone I had hurt, to God. In turn, I learned to forgive those who had asked for forgiveness. As I got older, this lesson became harder. I did not comprehend, as a child, that some day forgiveness would be given even without an apology.

Honestly, I was under the impression that this tandem operation would be much more of a “thing”. Consequently, the less influence my parents had on my daily decisions, the harder it became to forgive and be forgiven. It was a challenging lesson as a child, and it’s even harder now. For me, it’s not the apologizing that’s difficult, it’s forgiving in spite of the pain. Especially, forgiving when the apology doesn’t happen. How do we transition toward a posture of healing when our pain goes unacknowledged?

Fresh into marriage, I learned the hard way that my husband could not read my mind. This is true for a majority of the population… we are not a clairvoyant species. Needless to say, the silent treatment got me nowhere. Indeed, the smarty, backhanded comments did NOT portray the hurt I was feeling. I had to learn how to, clearly and gently, communicate what I was upset about. When I was able to approach my husband in a posture of forgiveness, it made it easier for him to understand my pain and truly apologize.

Forgiveness: What the Bible says…

Since you have been chosen by God who has given you this new kind of life, and because of his deep love and concern for you, you should practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others. Don’t worry about making a good impression on them, but be ready to suffer quietly and patiently. Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Colossians 3:12-13, TLB

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you…

Matthew 6:14, ESV

Whoa! We have to suffer “quietly and patiently”, ever “ready to forgive”. Why? God COMMANDED us to forgive, anyone and everyone so that we, too, could receive forgiveness. Commanded. It’s not easy, it’s not fun, and it doesn’t seem fair. For us, forgiveness is usually second in line to our grief and we let it stay there until WE are ready. When the pain subsides, then we forgive. However, God is just and His timing is perfect. FIRST forgive, THEN cast your heartache on the Lord for He will mend you.

Give your burdens to the Lord. He will carry them. He will not permit the godly to slip or fall.

Psalm 55:22, TLB

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

1 Peter 5:7, NLT

FIRST forgive, THEN cast your heartache on the Lord for He will mend you. Click To Tweet

Forgiveness: What to do…

I’ve found that healing of the mind and heart can take some time. All types of emotions creep in, during this season: anger, bitterness, sadness, self-pity. How do we handle these in a healthy manner? The list below contains methods that I have personally used during times of healing in order to combat these ugly emotions…

Throw some rocks

Living in the country has its perks. I do not recommend throwing rocks if you are surrounded by a lot of neighbors. Otherwise, they will have to forgive you for a broken window. Alternatively, wetting some paper towels and throwing them at your shower wall bears the same result. But, rocks are fun.

Write it out and burn it

Seriously, this is awesome. Get it all out; the messy, fractured emotions. It is pain, leaving the mind, through the hand. Fire destroys the negativity, physically and symbolically.

Exercise

Exercise is self-explanatory. I have found, being physically active can help release ugly feelings. Make sure it is something you actually enjoy doing. Turning on some upbeat music and having a solo dance party, can shake those negative emotions right out.

Wake up early to pray

Oh my gosh! Sleep is so precious. However, losing a few minutes of sleep replenishes our souls. Waking up 10-15 minutes earlier to pray for those who have hurt you, will bless you and them! “ Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” (Luke 6:28, NLT)

Talk it out

Connect with someone you trust and talk it out! Your spouse, a friend, a pastor, a counselor, someone who knows your intentions and your heart.

Don’t dwell

Devotions, scripture, music, podcasts, hobbies, subjects you love; all these things should occupy your mind as to not dwell on the pain. I discovered that the longer I would dwell, the longer the pain stuck around.

The break away…

Just this evening, as I was finishing up this post, God gave me opportunity to follow through on His command. There was a disagreement, with hurtful words thrown around. In that moment, I failed the test. I was hurt and was not quick to forgive. Boy, will I remember this night. Not because of the pain, but because of the shame. I let God down and did not heed his commandment. How can I write these words for you and not live it out?! Praise the Lord for His grace!

What about you? Is there pain getting in the way of you forgiving? In what ways have you coped during a healing process?

If you have found this inspiring, share the encouragement…

ORNELLA BINNI

Vision: Understanding Where Our Dreams Come From

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 21, 2017July 30, 2019

We are created for a purpose. Each of us have a vision. When we understand where our dreams and visions come from, we have the boldness to act on them.

Of the many attributes I could use to describe myself, “dreamer” would be among the top. And I don’t stop with dreaming for myself. If you are around me long enough, I will start putting ideas in your head of things you could do with your life. I have ~~peer-pressured~~ encouraged more than one person to run a marathon.

Some ideas come and go in an afternoon. A few, however, I just can’t seem to shake.

Vision: Understanding where Our dreams come from.

Those visions, those dreams, those ideas, those desires…they do not originate with us. They are a part of our DNA. I have long believed that when God gives us the desire of our hearts (Psalm 37:4), it is Him placing in us the desire, not simply giving us what we want. If we are seeking God, then the desires in us are there because of Him.

If we are seeking God, then the desires in us are there because of Him. Click To Tweet

A book I listened to a while back took this thought a step further. The author challenged that the dream actually came before the creation of the dreamer. It wasn’t that God created me, then said, “hmmm… What would be a good job for Rachael? Let’s see… She’s high energy, a tad aggressive (but I can work with that), and loves meeting new people. Oh, I know… I’ll give her the dream of working with women.”

Instead, God says, “Let’s see, there is a group of women who will need to some encouragement. They are questioning their self-worth and not sure where their identity lies. I’m gonna need to someone who has a lot of energy, maybe even a bit aggressive (in a positive sort of way), and isn’t afraid to meet new people. I’m going to create Rachael!”

Isn’t that an amazing thought? Our dreams were not an after thought to keep us busy. They are the reason we were created! The beautiful thing about this, is that even though your strengths may be vastly different than mine, we all have a vision to pursue. If we have a similar vision, we will impact different people in different ways. And if our vision is nothing alike, we are both still pursuing the ultimate goal of making Jesus known. There are no wrong visions!

Vision: Dreams that end or change.

There have been dreams in my life that I no longer have.

I had the dream to open a coffee shop. We did, and we were a part of something so much bigger than just serving coffee. We were a bright spot in that neighborhood. Relationships were born there that continue to this day. But God’s plan was for us to birth that place and let other, more talented people, raise it to what it has become today. Not for a moment have I regretted walking away from that dream.

There have been dreams in my life that have changed.

When I was a newly married, my husband and I served the youth group at our church. I had a dream to begin a mentoring ministry with teenage girls, and was in the process of bringing it to life. But just as soon as the ball began rolling, we moved 6 hours away, and beginning life over with no friends or family nearby. Then, when we moved to Chicagoland (meaning the suburbs), we were actually looking at buying an old Victorian home with the dream of turning it into a place for teenage girls. The dream never grew big enough for me to see what kind of “place” it was going to be, just that it would be to serve young ladies.

Now, twelve years later, I have discovered that there is a home for pregnant teen girls where we live. This is my dream in action. The dream has been dormant for so many years, only to resurface as a ministry I can serve and support.

There have been dreams in my life that have been refined.

You, dear reader, are experiencing a refined dream at this moment. What began as a fun little hobby, and kind of a joke (“oh Lord help us stay sane” is what you will see if you look up at the URL), has lead into a shop of items, speaking, bible studies, and a group of women writing. More than once I have been tempted to pull the plug on this. More than once the Lord has confirmed to me that I am doing what He created me for, for this season of my life.

Vision: Boldness to move forward.

Since our dreams and visions come from the Lord, then so do the battles and the victories. Our dreams are not OUR dreams. We have GOD’S dreams. We can move forward because that is being obedient. He is faithful and will honor our obedience. Even if it is an earthly “fail,” it is a heavenly “win,” and God will redeem it for His glory.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31, ESV

Final thought…

I can no better shake my vision out of my being, as I can make myself a D-cup. Sure, I can fake it, just like I can get fake boobs, but it’s not real! I can ignore the dream, or distract myself from it, but deep down I, like you, have dreams that I am made for.

So what dreams do you have that you just can’t seem to shake?

There is no fear in love. And you are fiercely loved! Be bold in pursuing your dreams.

If you have found this inspiring, share the encouragement…

Jordan Ladikos

trustworthy, trust, Jesus, open hands, broken pieces

Trustworthy: Coming to Jesus with Broken Pieces and Open Hands

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 18, 2017January 13, 2019

Our attempts of self-protection only lead to further damage. Jesus is trustworthy. We can come to Him with open hands and all of our broken pieces.

About a year ago, I was at a ladies event one evening put on by my church. My church puts them together 2-3 times a year and covers a different topic each time. This particular time the topic was prayer. I don’t know about you, but I certainly do not have prayer mastered. I greatly looked forward to the evening (sans kids too…yay).

Prayer is a rather broad topic, so I wasn’t exactly sure what God was going to use that evening for. I just knew He would meet me where I was. He kept that promise in ways I never saw coming.

The Throne Room

There were two ladies leading the teaching time. As they opened the gathering, they reminded all of us there of God’s invitation to pray. He is listening and wants us to come to Him. He invites us into the very throne room of God.

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-16, ESV

One of the ladies shared with us what she envisions when she is welcomed by God to pray and share her heart with Him, her Abba Father. She considers how big God is, her Father who sustains the universe with His power. Then she enters into His presence dirty yet unafraid, and He pulls her up onto His lap. She is His daughter after all. He, the very one who holds in the earth in its place and knows the name of each star, wants to hear the heart of His daughter. Seeing His power while knowing His goodness, she pours out her heart to Him, and He listens, cares, and loves her.
It was powerful imagery to me.

Trustworthy with Our Broken Pieces

It brought to life these truths I know in my head but struggle with in my heart. You see, I’m a thinker, and I was thinking about this whole mosaic perspective of healing leading up to this prayer gathering. As I did, I also recognized that I am not a passive party in this artistic pursuit. God is the Master Artist, the One who sees the beauty among the shards of all that is broken. But I often times find myself clutching the pieces tightly in my hands, absolutely terrified of giving Him the pieces to work with.

You see, holding all the broken pieces of me in my hands feels like safety. I believe the lie that even though it’s all broken, if I’m the one holding it, I can’t be hurt by it anymore. So I hold them, hands tightly closed, and can feel them hurting me, all those sharp edges digging in as I squeeze them. My attempt at self-protection only causes more hurt as I clutch my hands, unwilling to open them to the One who redeems all the shards that cut me.

My attempt at self-protection only causes more hurt as I clutch my hands, unwilling to open them... Click To Tweet

Trustworthy with Our Open Hands

So in this scene, coming before my Abba, I see it differently than my sister in Christ shared with those of us at that gathering. When it was me in that picture, I was entering the throne room dirty and bloody with fists clenched. I haven’t figured out the fearless thing; so I cower, mostly with shame, while He looks at my hands and takes them gently in His. You know… The hands that bear the scars of the depths of His love for me. The ones that remind me He understands. The ones that were pierced so my broken pieces could be made new.

He holds my bloody hands in His. He lifts my head having already taken the shame I can’t yet shake. He looks me in the eyes with love, and He asks me to trust Him. When I remember who He is and His character, I know He is trustworthy.

Yet I often find myself like my own kids who come to me with scraped up hands sometimes. When they fear the cleaning of the wound will be too painful, they hesitate. I assure them I can only help them if they open their hands and let me see the wounds. I see in me the same hesitation as I fear the pain involved in cleaning the wounds of these broken shards I hold.

Wavering between opening my hands and closing them once more. I must remind myself daily of who God is, of His faithfulness and goodness. And in faith, open my hands once more trusting He will meet me in each broken piece as He heals the broken and makes a mosaic.

Your turn…

I know I am not the only one who holds brokenness in my hands. I’m not the only one who fights between fear that says, “hold on tight” and faith that says, “open your hands to your Father who cares for you.”

What brokenness are you holding today, dear sister?

What are you afraid to open up and take with confidence to the throne of grace?

Go, beloved daughter, and enter the throne room, dirty yet unafraid, to sit with your Father who loves you. Remember that the hands pierced by nails for your healing gently cradles the bloody hands you bring to Him.

All of us have experienced brokenness, but that is not where the story ends. Broken, but God… has redeemed me.

If you have found this inspiring, share the encouragement…

Diego PH

Adventure: Leaving What is Safe for Abundant Life

Devotionals, Stay SaneOctober 15, 2017September 8, 2019

Adventure means leaving our comfort zone. It can be uncomfortable, but often what is on the other side is the abundant life.

Just before I woke I had a chilling dream. I was running through a banquet hall attempting to elude a man pursing me. I felt sick as I realized there was nowhere else to run and I had to fight. Finding some knives on a nearby table I hurled them at my attacker. He was able to deflect them with plates or large metal bowls which he would in turn launch in my direction. We ended up in hand to hand combat; I was sorely outmatched. He pinned me against a wall where he slowly stab me in the thigh. I suspected that he thought the blow was mortal since it was one of his signature moves. He lowered me to the ground and walked away triumphant.

The scenes changed and it was dusk. Outside in a harvested wheat field, I was leaning against a wooden fence. Wondering if I looked pale or if I would soon lose consciousness I looked down at my feet expecting to see blood, but there wasn’t any. A glimmer of hope sprung up that perhaps my wound just needed to be mended. Birds started singing as I made my way back to the main house and I knew I wasn’t going to die from the stabbing, but I would have the limp for life.

That was when my tweeting birds alarm fully pulled me from my dream.

Adventure

It has taken me a seriously long time to grow into my name.

Emily: industrious, disciplined, striving.

It is difficult for me to stay on task, so striving certainly resonates with me. Somewhat recently I have scratched the surface of being more self-disciplined. This is because two years ago this weekend, my husband got a job that moved our family 600 miles away from my hometown. And stuff. got. real.

I didn’t used to be an adventurer; I stuck with what felt safe. But when we uprooted our family, I had two choices: become a recluse in one of the most densely populated cities in the U.S. or find community.

We hadn’t even begun to settle in our new home when the heavens opened up and dumped three feet of snow. The blizzard gave us the opportunity to meet several of our neighbors while we were out shoveling every two hours. I hadn’t met that many people on any street we’d lived on before! I had a lot of free time on my hands after our kids were in school. Out of my normal comfort zone, but strangely fearless, I signed up for a ladies’ bible study at our new church and met some friends. Life really took off from there.

Leaving What is Safe for Abundant Life

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23, ESV

My dream captured an accurate picture of my life as a Jesus follower. Historically I’ve run from conflict; but some battles I must fight. Usually they’re messy and rarely do you escape without some wounds and lasting scars.

A lot of change has occurred since our move. I took a job in ministry and have developed intimate community. But our family has also incurred some blows from the enemy. At times, I feel like I’ve prayed all the prayers, read all the books, said all the things…and the enemy still advances. So, I turn and fight – expecting the hits Satan thinks will wreck me – confident that my life is in God’s hand.

I turn and fight... confident that my life is in God’s hand. Click To Tweet

What adventures have led you to an abundant life? Let me know in the comments below!

Do you feel like you are striving? Strive to be better, not different!

If you have found this inspiring, share the encouragement…

Iker Haro