The Big Picture

As some of you know, I did get engaged to my best friend and the love of my life this past Tuesday, December 22 at 10:08 pm! : ) I have been longing for this time in my life, but obviously God had a different plan than I did... imagine that- I didn't know what was best for me! ha.

I have learned something during this waiting season in my life... God really does have our best interest, and He does see the BIG picture, even when we think our plans and desires are way better. I found that out, and now, 3 years and one month later, I look back at those years and thank God for preparing me for now and for what's to come. Although I've been wanting to be engaged and married to Jason for so long now, I'm thankful that God allowed everything to happen in HIS time... not mine.

Thank God today for always seeing the BIG picture even before we get a piece of it.

Transition In My Life

For those of you how haven't heard, I moved to Georgia at the end of May. I couldn't be happier. I live with two of my best friends, Hayley Catt and Frances Sadler. We live in an awesome 2 story house in a nice neighborhood close to town. I am a full time student at Darton College, and I am currently a teller at Heritage Bank. Once a week I lead a discipleship group of 10th grade girls. On Thursday nights I have bible study with our college and career group. I love being here, and God is providing in some awesome ways- ways I've never expected. I knew for a long time that this is where I'm supposed to be, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am right where I am supposed to be. I am learning to love God more everyday, and from that I am loving Jason more, too. I am so blessed to be here, and am looking forward to seeing what else God has in store for me here!

Firm Steps

Psalm 37:23-24

"If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."

What a powerful picture painted in this scripture. This passage reminds me that no matter how many times I fail, disappoint, upset, and crush God, He promises us that he is always there for us. No matter what I do, no matter how many times, no matter who it is, God is faithful to uphold, which means we will never fall. We may stumble, but never will be fall. Just thought I 'd share one of my favorite scriptures with you! Praying that God will reveal Himself to you in a mighty way!

Freedom From the Pit

Psalm 40:1-5

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you' were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare."

When the Bible speaks of "the pit", I always think of the depths of depression. David spoke of feeling as though he were in a pit, calling out to the Lord to rescue him and set his feet on solid ground. Nobody wants to be in the pit of depression. Satan takes advantage of your situation by reminding you of painful memories. When you are depressed, the devil's goal is to make you so miserable and hopeless you will never rise up to cause him any problems or to fulfill the call of God on your life. So if you're struggling in a pit that keeps you from being all God wants you to be, cry out to the Lord and allow Him to draw you out of the pit and set you free. God has a great life planned for you, don't let Satan steal it through depression. 

                                    ~ Ending Your Day Right by: Joyce Meyer

*I literally just opened up to today's devotion, and that's what I read. To be completely honest, which I can be b/c the Lord has cleansed me from this, I have been struggling with depression. My parents don't even know. Nobody knew. I started treating Jason in ways I never have before. I was very short and rude with all the comments I made to him for about a month. Yet, he stuck with me through the tough times b/c he understands what true love is. I hardly talked to anyone, I didn't eat much, and my mind was constantly focused on losing weight to look like certain girls that I had in my head. I was still having a daily quiet time, but satan was continuing to stomp me down further into the ground. On top of all that, I didn't have any energy to study school work and truthfully didn't care at all. The thing that killed me most was the way I heard myself talking to Jason... I wanted to tell him how much I love him and in my heart I knew I did, but satan took hold of my mouth and attitude and used it against my will. I truly believe his motive was to break me and Jason up b/c he is so mad that we're trying to honor God in everything we do. Satan had a hold of every aspect in my life- from my attitude, my words, my motives, and my mind. BUT there is one thing he cannot touch because I gave it to Christ at 7 years old. My heart. He couldn't have control of that, and truthfully that's what kept me going. On top of treating the love of my life like dirt, I started having minor suicidal thoughts. I told Jason it would be better if I wasn't alive. I cried and cried trying to grasp the concept that my life really does matter and count for something b/c deep down I just wanted to not be alive. For so long satan had me believing that my life was worthless, and that God could never use someone like me- so weak, sinful, unworthy, and pitiful. For weeks and weeks these thoughts went through my head, and I never told anyone. I kept it inside. I looked at Jason one night when he was about to leave, and I couldn't even hug him b/c I felt so filthy and unworthy of love from someone so wonderful b/c satan lead me to believe that lie. Jason looked in my eyes and told me he knew something was wrong- he could see right through me. Who was I kidding? That's what satan wants- to steal, kill, and destroy, and Jason could tell that satan was trying. By my side the whole time loving me even when I didn't deserve it, he prayed and prayed over me many times, and I felt weak and helpless at this point- I felt like Jason's prayers for me were going nowhere, and that nobody cared what I was going through. I know we all struggle in different areas of our lives, and for me it has always been not feeling good enough. I always look at other girls and wish I looked like them or had their body or had beautiful skin like them. I was missing out on a big element in life...

I didn't thank God for making me the way He intended for me to look. I always slapped him in the face by saying "I wish I could look like that" or "I wish I had her figure." My mind was on the outward. 

As I started begging God to show me what my life meant and what my purpose was, I thought back to all the kids that I have come in contact with throughout my life. I have such a passion for children, and what a joy they are to me. Everyday I look forward to having my own one day. I began thinking about my friends and all the laughs and stupid things we've done together. God took me back to Nov 8 2006 when I met the love of my life, Jason, and I was reminded of all we've been through and the incredible things we've been able to accomplish as a couple. I thank God that he made Jason just for me. Even before I knew what love was, God was preparing both of us for each other to serve the one living God together. God took me back to my family and how incredible special they are to me- my mom and all the many life lessons she has taught me, some I wanted to hear, and some not so much; the ways she raised me, and showed me the kind of wife and mother that I long to be one day soon. I thought about all the many nights that dad and I stayed up rubbing each other's feet and watching basketball together- or the late night runs to get ice cream and chocolate sprinkles to have while the game was on. The fights and laughs Jared and I had growing up; I didn't realize how much he meant to me until I sat down and thought about never seeing him again. That broke my heart. And my precious little sister, Maddeline, who I love dearly. I was reminded of time after time when she would ask me questions about stuff she was going through and all the times she had encouraged me and looked up to me. I thought that if I was gone, how much of my heart would be missing. She is my sister, nobody can take her place. Like it says in Psalm 40, I BEGGED God to show me what to do next and to pick me up out of the pit I was in; to somehow help me understand that my life does matter, and that all the lies that satan put in my head, that everyone would be better off if I wasn't alive anymore, were just a bunch of junk. 

I was so ready to get rid of the lies, I was in the Word, Jason was right by my side pushing, challenging, and encouraging me like crazy. It wasn't until this past week that God completely cleared my mind of all the lies satan had me believing for so long. I begged and begged God to show me what my purpose is in life. I don't have everything figured out, but I have come to the realization of something VERY important. It may sound so cliche, but God loves us so much, and we all do have a certain purpose in life. No it's not all about us, but we have a significant role in the eyes of our loving God and Saviour who, by the way, can bring us out of ANY pit we're in. Trust me when I say any pit I mean any pit. Never in my life would I have ever thought that I would struggle with spiritual warfare in ways like depression and suicidal thoughts, BUT I now understand in a way like never before that I AM LOVED and CHERISHED! I have all that anyone could ever want- a wonderful family, great friends, an incredible amazing boyfriend that means the world to me, a support system unlike any other, and most importantly a God that has my life in His hands, and loves me even when I don't deserve to be. What a crucial message for each of us to understand. It's so elementary, but when you're going through spiritual warfare, it feels unreachable. And sometimes God does too. Keep believing. Pray without ceasing. Know God really does have a purpose for your life. Believe that God loves you during your good and bad days. Pray that God will break your heart of any bondage. The reason I say all this is because I had to do it just a few days ago. Satan was making my life a pit of despair, depression, and worthlessness, until the Lord Almighty turned my eyes to HIM! Praise God!

It's funny when you know people pray for you, but you feel like nobody is. I say that to remind and encourage you that they do! I never knew how many people prayed for me specifically until I was reminded over and over again this week. God has a way of picking us up when nothing else can b/c He is the only thing in this world that can ever satisfy us! 

The only reason I shared all this is for one reason alone- I pray that God can and will use my life and the things I go through to help other people with similar situations. I know what it feels like to be at the very bottom and to think things can't get worse. I'm praying you will see life in a different light like I do now. I took so many things for granted until Christ reopened my eyes to the true meaning of life. For that I praise Him with all that I am. I hope and pray that you will realize how much God does love and care for you, even when you don't feel like He does. I'm here to talk if you need anything.... I want people to see Christ through me, and this is one way for me to break away from the bondage satan had on my life. 

Lord, 

Thank you. Sometimes that's all I feel I can say. Thank you for what you mean in my life. I pray you will use my life to honor and glorify you in ways that blow my mind. I praise you for my salvation. Help me to see ways in which I can serve and glorify you. I want you to receive praise from whatever obstacles I am faced with. Thank you for literally picking me up out of that state of depression and giving me a firm rock to stand on. I will praise you for you are worthy of my praise. 

Amen.

Who Are You Pleasing?

Mark 15:13-15 

They shouted back, "crucify him!" "Why?" Pilate demanded. "What crime has he committed?" But the crowd only roared the louder, "Crucify him!" So, Pilate, anxious to please the crowd, released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to crucify him. 

*Pilate know that an innocent man stood before him. He knew that the true instigators were the chief priests and that their motivation was envy. He also understood that Barabbas was a convicted, dangerous criminal. Yet he went against his own instincts, his responsibilities as an official, and the facts before him. Pilate sold out, and he knew it. When he handed Jesus over to the guard, Pilate set into motion events that would likely haunt him for the rest of his life. He not only killed an innocent man and endangered the safety of his community, he also betrayed himself. He appeased an angry mob, but he did so at great expense. 

Sometimes we hear voices from every corner telling us what we should or shouldn't do. As believers our first priority is to do what is right and to be true to God's Word. It's not always east to take the high road, but it is the road God asks us to travel. Take a moment and ask God to help you to do the right thing. Determine to please him in your job, your decisions, and your relationships no matter what the crowd thinks. 

* Submit your will to God in making decisions and ask for nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else but His perfect will.     ~ Choosing God's Best

I pray that you will base your decisions solely off of God's Word. Don't be a people pleaser- be a God pleaser! 

Colossians 3 and 4

We are all faced with making major decisions in life. When making these decisions, there never seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel. But TAKE HEART- there is hope! It's not always easy to hear or understand God's voice, but there will be a answer, whether it's what we want to hear or not. Here are 8 questions to consider when making these decisions, all based on God's word.

8 questions to ask when making major decisions:

#1. Col 3:15 (PEACE OF GOD)

Do I have a peace about this?

#2. Col. 3:16  (GOD'S WORD)

What is God's word saying to me?

#3. Col. 3:16 (GET COUNSEL) 

What are Godly counselors telling me>

#4. Col. 3:17 (HONOR)

What will honor the name of Jesus?

#5. Col. 3:18-4:1 (AUTHORITY)

What are my authority's telling me?

#6. Col. 4:2 (PRAYER)

What is God saying through prayer?

#7. Col. 4:3 (OPEN DOORS)

Is God opening or closing the door?

#8. Col. 4:5 (WISDOM)

What is wisdom telling me?

What is wisdom from an eternal perspective? (James 1:5)

*advice given by Stephen Kendrick*

Stand Strong Against the Adversary

1 Corinthians 16:9  "...because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me."

It is true that whenever you do anything for God, the adversary will oppose you. But you must remember that greater is He who is in you than who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

You should not have to spend your life struggling against the devil in order to serve God. Instead of wearing yourself out trying to fight spiritual enemies, you should learn to stand strong in the authority given to you by Jesus. 

The best way to overcome the devil and his demons is simply to stay in God's will by obeying His word and God will work things out according to His diving plan and purpose. 

Stay In Balance

Philippians 4:11-13

" I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content what the circumstances. I know what it is to have plenty. 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 things through Him who gives me strength."

Stability is maturity. To grow up in God is to come to the place where we can be content no matter what the situation or circumstances may be because we are rooted and grounded, not in things, but in the Lord. Paul was emotionally and spiritually mature because he knew whatever state he was in would pass. He had learned the secret of facing every situation of life, whether good or bad. 

God wants to bless us and use us as a vessel through which His Holy Spirit can work. But in order for that to happen we must learn how to handle both the good times and the bad. That's why it is to important to remember that whatever comes our way, "This too shall pass." The good times and the bad never last forever, but through Christ we can handle either with joy and stability. 

Worthy of Praise

Psalm 18:1-3. "I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies."

 

Hunted and chased like an animal, David had been in terrible distress and danger, but God had preserved his life and rescued him. Because of God's help, David hadn't just survived; he had emerged victorious. So he sings Psalm 18, a psalm of thanksgiving for all God has done and for who he is to David. It is a great song of worship and praise for the Lord's diving intervention in delivering David against all odds from his enemy Saul and for bringing David through his difficulties to a future and hope. 

In singing God's praises, David uses vivid metaphors: "my rock" (stability and security), "my shield" (the one who guards and keeps me safe), "the strength of my salvation", (my source of strength when I'm weak), and "my stronghold", (the place I go for protection). In David's darkest hour the Lord revealed himself in these ways, and He wants to reveal himself in our lives too- right where we are in our victories. Ask Him to reveal himself in whatever you're facing today, and join David in praising the Lord who is truly "worthy of praise"!

 

 

Lord, when I am overwhelmed with difficulties, be my rock- my source of security in an uncertain world. In you along I find protection. You are my stronghold; I need nothing else. Be my strength when I am weak. By my shield of protection from those who would harm me. Be the strength of my salvation when I call on you, and I will ever praise you because you are worthy. 

 

*GOD REVEALS HIMSELF UNFAILINGLY TO THE THOUGHTFUL SEEKER.

Expect Blessing of God

Psalm 27:14 " Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

Sometimes we feel discouraged, miserable, and depressed. In those times we need to take a closer look at what's been going on in our minds. Isaiah 26:3 tells us that when we keep our minds on the Lord we will have "perfect and constant peace."

By focusing on the goodness of God and waiting, hoping, and expecting Him to encourage us and fill us with His peace and joy, we can overcome negative thoughts that drag us down. 

Think and speak positively. Begin believing right now that we are about to see God's goodness in our lives. Wait, hope, and expect His blessings to be abundant in our everyday lives!

Praying for you as you wait... even when it's the hardest thing to do.

Where To Go When It Hurts

The Word tells you God is faithful and He will provide a way for you, but He doesn't always show us the way immediately. That is when you must wait...and trust. Waiting on God purifies your faith and builds character in you. You may not like waiting, but God's way is perfect! So be assured God has not forgotten you. Trust Him, and in His time He will reveal His perfect plan for you. While you're waiting, don't forget to enjoy your life. 

1 Samuel 1:9-18

" Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the Lord's temple. In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord. And she made a vow, saying, "O Lord Alighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head." As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, "How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine." 

"Not so, my lord," Hannah replied, "I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief." 

Eli answered, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him." 

She said, "May your servant find favor in your eyes." Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast."

What constitutes the most bitter pill you've ever had to swallow? All of us have them. Compared to each other they may seem major, but just as the only minor surgery is one that happens to someone else, the bitterness we feel is never minor. 

Hannah's situation certainly involved no small pain. Childless. Tormented. Alone. A plight many have faced, but company proves small solace for misery. 

Yet Hannah made the right choices about what to do with her bitterness. She "wept much and prayed to the Lord." (v 10) In her prayer, she made 2 almost unimaginable commitments. One was by far the easiest of the pair. She promised no razor would ever be used on his head. This meant the child would be a Nazirite, especially consecrated to the Lord. The other promise was to give him to the Lord for all the days of his life. 

We could accuse her of bargaining with God, who does not bargain, but our God does search the earth for those with a heart toward Him so He can bless them ( 2 Chron. 16:9). Chronicles had not yet been written when Hannah was praying for a son, but somehow she sought in God what David later learned to be true: "The Lord searches every heart and understands every motion behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you" (1 Chron. 28:9). In bitterness she sought her Lord. 

I believe God responded to Hannah's prayer for two reasons. First, HE IS GRACIOUS. He longs to pour His love on us. Second, HE . He KNEW HER HEART. He knew that what she said, she would do.

Hannah demonstrated that she took her vow to God seriously. For three years she would hold and love this child. Then she would fulfill her vow, loving her son even as she gave him to the One who gave him to her. 

I never fail to be moved by this account in Scripture. How deeply this woman wanted a child. How easy to promise anything to get what we want, but Hannah did not voice empty words. Even in her bitterness of soul and great weeping, she made her vow to God with the steadfast determination to fulfill it. 

This made me think of several verses that have been very relevant and alive in my life lately. 

Matthew 6: 25-34 which talks about not worrying. That's always been hard for me because I like to figure everything out and have set plans for everyday of the week, but I tend to worry about certain aspects of those plans. God tells us specifically that the birds don't worry and they are given everything they need- won't that be the same for us since we are more valuable in God's eyes? I think back to the story of Hannah and how she poured her heart out to God and in her tears she asked God specifically what she longed for. This week I have done the same thing several times, and I wondered if it would ever get better; if my prays would ever be answered. But I didn't need to worry in the first place. God has us wait sometimes to strengthen our faith, and I know that's exactly what He was doing in my situation, and Hannah's as well. 

Matthew 7 was also comforting: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." 

**My prayer this week is that we will be lead to the cross, broken, and fully ready to surrender our all to His will and plans for our lives. It's not always easy, but isn't it comforting to know that God's got our best interest at heart? I want my life to be used to further His kingdom; what about you?

Don't Give Up

GALATIONS 6:9  " Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Do you ever feel like giving up? Perhaps you're discouraged about your finances or you're facing problems with  your health, marriage, or your children. Sometimes problems seem so overwhelming that the road ahead seems too steep to climb. 

We all go through these times. I've wanted to give up and quit many times through the years. But when I realized I had nothing interesting to go back to, I determined to keep pressing on. 

Even though continuing to move forward is sometimes painful, it is far better than giving up and sliding backwards. God is doing a good work in you so He can do more for you and through you. So ask Him to fill you with holy determination today and keep moving in the right direction!!!

*From the book by Joyce Meyer ENDING YOUR DAY RIGHT: Devotions for Every  Evening of the Year